Disease Can Reduce IQ Levels

Genetic factors and education are often cited as a major effect on a person's intellect. However, a recent study claims that the disease is much more affecting a person's intellect.

Scientists from the University of New Mexico to analyze the value of IQ (Intelligence Quotient) in the United States and found that exposure to infectious diseases greatly affect brain power.

The reason is because humans, especially children, devoting much energy to the work processes of the brain. If a disease that saps the energy occurs then kecerdasanlah definite victims. The findings were reported in the journal Scientific American.

"Infectious diseases are factors that can rob energy from a large number of brain development. Evidence suggests that infectious disease is a major cause of human intelligence bervaraisinya globally," said study author Christopher Eppig as reported from dailymail Thursday (09/08/2011).

Epigg and his team have reviewed the theories on what can be tested to affect IQ levels including education, wealth and the idea that people who live farther away from sub-Saharan Africa increasingly clever with the idea that the brain does not need to strive to ensure survival. But because conditions vary elsewhere, his theory is that the process of thinking more is needed to survive, thus causing increased IQ.

However, after seeing the level of intelligence across America, Eppig and his team dismiss these theories. "Countries with an average IQ of the five lowest levels of infectious diseases that are higher than the state as compared with five the highest average IQ," says Eppig.

He hopes his team hypothesized would allow people to help improve the IQ in the world with more efficiently. "If the major factors are genetic factors as has been proposed a few people, then the IQ scores will tend to be very difficult to change," said Eppig.