Can IQ Decrease? This is the Scientific Explanation and 5 Activities to Increase it

Illustration (Freepik/@cottonbro studio)

YOGYAKARTA - Many people think that IQ (Intelligence Quotient) is a measure of intelligence that remains throughout life. If someone has a high IQ score during childhood, then he is considered to be always intelligent until adulthood, and vice versa. However, research shows a more complex picture.

Research finds that the human brain continues to undergo changes as a result of experience, education, and lifestyle habits. So, can a person's IQ decrease? To find out the answer, this article will discuss what IQ is, its changes with age, to activities that help increase IQ.

What is IQ?

IQ is a standard measure used to assess a person's intellectual ability. IQ tests usually measure various cognitive aspects such as logical thinking ability, memory, problem solving, and the ability to understand patterns. IQ scores generally have an average of 100 with a standard deviation of about 15 points.

As reported by EBSCO, the concept of IQ began to develop in the early 20th century when French psychologist Alfred Binet developed a test to identify children's learning abilities in school. The test was later refined by Lewis Terman into the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, which to this day is still one of the foundations of modern intelligence measurement.

Currently, IQ tests are used in various fields, including education and the world of work. Schools often use them to identify students' learning needs, while companies sometimes make them one of the indicators in the recruitment process.

Can a Person's IQ Go Down?

As previously mentioned, IQ is not static and continues to change as a person ages. So the IQ score obtained when a child is not a reference for a person's academic and career abilities in the future.

Quoted from The Guardian, a study conducted by Sue Ramsden from University College London on teenagers aged 12 to 16 found that their IQ scores can rise or fall significantly in a few years.

In the study, some participants experienced changes of up to 20 points, which is large enough to shift someone from the "average" category to "very intelligent" or vice versa.

This shows that intelligence is not something static. Mental activity, learning environment, and daily habits can affect a person's cognitive abilities over time.

In other words, people who rarely train their brains may experience a decline in thinking ability. Conversely, those who are intellectually active tend to maintain or even improve their cognitive abilities. Therefore, various activities that can help you increase your IQ will be discussed next.

5 Activities to Increase IQ

Although genetic factors play an important role, various studies show that certain habits can help improve cognitive abilities. Reported from Healthline, the following are some activities that can help train the brain:

Memory Training

Games that train memory not only improve memory but also logical thinking skills. Activities such as crosswords, sudoku, or puzzles can stimulate the brain to work more actively.

Memory training also helps strengthen the relationship between language and reasoning. Both abilities are included in the aspects measured in IQ tests, which means this activity can help improve a person's intellectual ability.

Learn a Musical Instrument

Learning to play a musical instrument turns out to have great benefits for the brain. Research shows that regular musical practice can improve executive functions such as concentration, memory, and planning.

You don't have to be a professional musician to feel the benefits. A few times a week of musical practice is enough to stimulate brain activity associated with intelligence.

Learning a New Language

Learning a new language is one of the best ways to challenge the brain. The process of understanding vocabulary, grammar, and communication involves various cognitive areas simultaneously.

In addition to helping improve thinking skills, learning languages can also strengthen memory. This is why people with bilingual skills often show better cognitive abilities.

Reading Regularly

Reading books regularly has been proven to improve language skills and concept understanding. When reading, the brain must process information, build imagination, and connect different ideas.

The habit of reading also enriches vocabulary and improves critical thinking skills. In the long run, this activity can help improve various aspects of a person's intelligence.

Continuing Education

Formal and non-formal education has a major impact on intellectual development. Research shows that each additional year of education can increase IQ scores by about one to five points.

This happens because the learning process forces the brain to continue processing new information. The more often a person is involved in learning activities, the more active the cognitive development.

So the discussion about whether a person's IQ can decrease. It can be concluded, a person's IQ continues to change as they get older. Habits such as reading, learning a new language, playing music, and continuing to pursue education can help maintain and even improve a person's intellectual ability.

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