
What do the terms ‘IQ’ and ‘Mental Acuity’ really mean, and how can they be improved? Learn the science behind boosting cognition and mental sharpness, as well as some practical, evidence-based tips to incorporate into your daily life!
Though it is a common misconception that IQ and mental acuity cannot be improved or changed, there are steps one can take to boost both IQ and mental acuity. Whether you’re a parent of a developing child or just looking to engage in self-improvement, it is important to take steps to boost cognitive ability in day-to-day life to maintain a healthy and happy mind. Keep reading to find out more about how the brain works and the factors that affect its performance.
Understanding IQ and Mental Acuity
To boost IQ and mental acuity, one must first understand what they are. IQ, or intelligence quotient, is a method of measuring an individual’s intellectual ability against others in the same age group. IQ is typically measured using an IQ test, and the types of intelligence assessed include crystallized intelligence and fluid intelligence. Mental acuity is slightly different from IQ and is defined as the sharpness of one’s mind. Measuring factors of mental acuity include memory, learning and processing of new ideas, focus, concentration, analysis, and understanding. Both IQ and mental acuity are the main ways we measure the brain’s function, and though neither is considered a full measurement of intelligence, they give a good picture of an individual’s cognitive function when considered together.
Understanding the Science of IQ and Mental Acuity
Scientists are still working to understand the minutiae of IQ and mental acuity, as the brain is the most complex organ in the human body. Here are some of the basics you should know.How does the brain work?
It is important to understand how the brain works when looking to boost cognitive function. Methods of measuring intelligence and brain activity have been highly debated among researchers, but a popular theory of how intellect works is Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences. This theory was proposed in the 1980s by Harvard University psychologist Howard Gardner and suggests that people each have strengths and weaknesses in different categories of intelligence. Gardner’s multiple intelligences are musical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, verbal-linguistic, logical-mathematical, naturalistic, and visual-spatial. Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences is popular among educators because it highlights the different strengths people have in their cognitive function and suggests ways one may be able to learn more effectively. For example, someone who is musically intelligent might learn well from hearing information in a song, whereas someone with visual-spatial intelligence would be more successful if they could see a physical representation of what they are learning. Before Gardner’s multiple intelligences became popular, many thought intelligence was genetic and set in stone from birth. This theory reinforces the idea that intelligence and mental acuity can be improved over time with the right strategies.How are IQ and mental acuity measured?
IQ, or intelligence quotient, is typically measured with a set of standardized tests. While IQ tests do not measure all types of intelligence from Gardener’s theory, it does measure two main types: crystallized intelligence and fluid intelligence. Crystallized intelligence is the brain’s ability to draw upon prior learning to utilize skills and knowledge. Fluid intelligence is the brain’s ability to use abstract thinking and reasoning to solve problems without prior learning. While IQ measures two clearly defined types of brain function, mental acuity is a much broader term. Mental acuity, or mental sharpness, is the measurement of the brain’s overall functions like memory, learning and processing ideas, focus and concentration, analysis, and general understanding. There are many methods of measuring mental acuity, including cognitive tests and even biophysical tests that measure the brain’s response speed.Do genetics play a role in IQ and mental acuity?
Yes, genetics do play a role in IQ and mental acuity, but intelligence is a complex human trait with both environmental and genetic influences. There is no specific gene that makes a person “smart,” but there are a large number of genes that have the capacity to affect a person’s intelligence. Research suggests that external factors like childhood exposures, a person’s environment, and frequency of cognitive stimulation have an equal or greater effect on IQ and mental acuity.Practical Ways to Boost IQ and Mental Acuity
While there are many uncontrollable factors like genetics and childhood exposures that affect IQ and mental acuity, there are also practical ways to ensure your brain is well taken care of in your daily routine. Here are some of the main things you should be focusing on to increase cognitive function and live a healthier life:- Diet and Nutrition
- Exercise and Physical Activity

- Mental Stimulation
- Sleep