How intelligence is measured
The traditional assessment of human intelligence was by the use of test skills, which gauged the brain’s speed and efficiency in solving problems. This strategy was assimilated in schools and is in use to date. However, this method is not accurate in determining intelligence since cognitive performance can be hindered by many factors such as gender and genetics.
This factor hinders accurate assessment of the brain’s potential to find solutions to problems (Kaufman, 2017). The scientific measure of intelligence is expressed as the Intelligence Quotient (IQ). The IQ assessment test basically reflects on how well an individual performed in a specific test compared to people in their age bracket.
IQ tests
IQ tests are scored in three simple ways. One is dividing an individual mental age by their chronological age and then multiplying the results by 100. The other method is by comparing an individual’s score against other individuals’ scores within the same age group. This method of results comparison is known as standardization.
This is a formula that uses a median score of 100. This median is used as a determinant of where individual scores fall on the normal distribution. An example of a standard IQ test is the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. The third method is the Performance and Achievements assessment. To quantify this, crystallized and fluid intelligence are assessed to determine the efficacy of the brain’s functionality.
Fluid intelligence is determined by how proficient the mind can solve new problems. On the other hand, crystalized intelligence represents one’s ability to solve problems based on their expertise and skills. An assessment of these two can reflect on the individual’s intellectual giftedness.
Diseases that affect human intelligence
Excellent human intelligence can diminish when affected by a cognitive disorder. These disorders are multifactorial because some generate from genetics, while others are influenced by the environment. An example is Alzheimer’s disease. This mental disorder is brought by aging and is mostly referred to as the disease of the elderly. On the other hand, Down syndrome is a disorder brought by the presence of a 21st chromosome, which causes intellectual disability (Garrett & Hough, 2018). Diseases that can cause intellectual deterioration includes epilepsy, Zika virus, schizophrenia, and Attention deficit disorder (ADHD).
Epilepsy Affects Human Intelligence
Epilepsy is a disease that does not have a significant impact on intelligence. However, the symptoms accompanied by this disease pose a great threat to cognitive functionality. The symptoms disrupt the brain cells, which are the neurons responsible for transmitting messages and signals as electric impulses. This makes it hard for the patient to make better judgments (Kaufman, 2017). For instance, epileptic seizures could cause loss of memory, which degrades personal IQ. Recent research shows that children with epilepsy have a 10-point deficit in their IQ compared to their healthy counterparts.
Zika Virus
Zika virus is a vector-borne disease that causes severe swelling of the brain. The swelling arises from the blood clots formed when the virus spreads in the body. Babies born from mothers infected with Zika Virus develop smaller brains than the normal brain size. This condition called microcephaly affects the brain stem cells by coaxing them into neural tissues (Steen, 2009). This defect results in reduced numbers of neural cells because the cell cycle is disrupted, resulting in cell death. The reduction of neural cells results in a slow generation of electrical signals, which reduces the processing rate. The result of this is a lower IQ standard because the individual will have slow comprehension of tasks.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is an intellectual deficit that results in a loss of contact with reality. This mental illness affects human intelligence by distorting the mind, which defects human thoughts and emotions. This happens when the prefrontal and the medial temporal lobe structures are interfered with, distorting the working and the declarative memory (Steen, 2009). In this state, individuals cannot comprehend situations or ideas because they will be prone to hallucinations and evasion from reality.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD is an attention difficulty disorder that is associated with hyperactivity and impulsiveness. This mental disorder can cause impulsive behaviors that make the individual have trouble focusing on one thing. Persons suffering from ADHD, as mentioned by Garette & Hough, experiences a reduction of brain volume (Steen, 2009).
This reduction in capacity dismembers the neurons and structures responsible for intellectual responses. In adults, the reductions were also identified, particularly in the cerebellum, prefrontal, and parietal-temporal areas. This shrinkage results in a dysfunctional cognitive system.
Conclusion-Human Intelligence
The brain has outstanding cognitive capabilities that enable easy processing of language, critical thinking, and creativity. To achieve these, intelligence is put into practice. The complex cognitive feat, together with self-awareness and motivation, are the defining factors of human intelligence.
To measure intelligence, the intelligence quotient test is used to determine the weaknesses and strengths in cognitive functionality. The powerhouse of human intelligence is the parietal and frontal regions. These regions are distinctively empowered to function to enable the mind to interpret information faster.
Diseases that may affect human intelligence include epilepsy, zika virus, schizophrenia, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), among others. These diseases affect the brain to the extent of interfering with their intelligence. Apart from these, other conditions may come naturally because of aging, which includes Alzheimer’s disease.