Young people are losing IQ advantages over their elders

Younger individuals have always performed better at tests measuring cognitive functions since scientists started researching the field but a new study conducted by Professor Stephen Badham of Nottingham Trent University has found that the advantage is decreasing.

The expert has theorised that IQ gains for the generation born in the 1980s simply hit a ceiling, giving older people the chance to catch up in the brain power stakes.

Professor Badham said: "Much existing research shows that IQ (had) been improving globally throughout the 20th century. This means that later-born generations are more cognitively able than those born earlier.

"However, there is growing evidence that time-based increases in IQ are levelling off, such that in the most recent couple of decades, young adults are no more cognitively able than those born shortly beforehand."

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