Linguistics and English Language

Genetic factors determine intelligence changes in ageing

Published on Wed, Jan 18th 2012, 20:01

The latest genetic study has been able to calculate for the first time the extent to which genes govern changes in intelligence as we age.

CCACE researchers "found that genetic factors may account for about 24 per cent of changes in intelligence between childhood and old age. The findings also suggest that many of the genes that affect intelligence in childhood also influence intelligence in old age, according to the study published in Nature. It is estimated that the largest influence on changes in intelligence is probably environmental".

Further Information

Press release (DOC)

Genetic Contributions to Intelligence in Childhood and Old Age, and How it Changes in Between

Life-long intelligence in the genes (Nature)

Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology (CCACE)