Can interventions increase Intelligence Quotient (IQ) from 107 to 115?

Interventions Cannot Reliably Increase IQ from 107 to 115

There is no reliable evidence that any intervention can consistently increase IQ from 107 to 115 points. Based on the available research, neither pharmacological nor non-pharmacological interventions have demonstrated consistent, meaningful increases in IQ scores in this range.

Current Evidence on IQ Modification

• The systematic reviews and meta-analyses of interventions for cognitive function primarily focus on individuals with cognitive impairments or intellectual disabilities, not on enhancing normal or above-average intelligence 1
• Research shows that IQ scores have substantial measurement variability, with short-form IQ tests particularly prone to bias that can underestimate low scores and overestimate high ones 2
• IQ tests themselves contain systematic errors of unknown magnitude, making precise targeted improvements difficult to achieve reliably 3
• Physical activity studies in young people have shown inconsistent results regarding IQ improvement, with no clear evidence that higher physical activity levels lead to increased IQ scores 4

Factors Affecting IQ Test Performance

• IQ test performance is significantly influenced by motivational and affective processes, which can create an interpretive gap between what IQ tests measure and how results are applied 5
• Environmental factors play a substantial role in cognitive development, but there's no evidence suggesting these can be manipulated to achieve specific IQ score increases in the range of 107 to 115 3
• Studies examining the relationship between IQ and various interventions often show correlations but fail to demonstrate causation 6

Cognitive Interventions and Their Limitations

• Cognitive stimulation and training may improve specific cognitive functions in the short term for persons with mild cognitive impairment or dementia, but evidence doesn't support similar effects in individuals with normal cognitive function 1
• Fifteen cognitive intervention trials provided somewhat inconsistent evidence of cognitive improvement, with uncertain magnitude and clinical benefit due to limited trials, heterogeneity, and imprecision of results 1
• Educational interventions have shown some impact on cognitive measures, but these don't translate to reliable IQ score increases of the magnitude requested (8 points) 1

Dietary and Supplement Approaches

• Studies evaluating medications, supplements (including B vitamins, folate, antioxidants, phosphatidylserine, vitamin E), and dietary interventions have not demonstrated consistent or meaningful improvements in cognitive function in individuals without cognitive impairment 1
• Even in individuals with mild cognitive impairment, dietary supplements have shown mixed results with limited clinical significance 1, 7

Exercise and Physical Activity

• Exercise is recommended as a first-line treatment for minor cognitive disorders, but evidence doesn't support specific IQ point increases in individuals with normal cognitive function 7
• Studies on exercise interventions show variable results on cognitive outcomes, with inconsistent evidence regarding the type, intensity, and duration needed for cognitive benefits 1

Clinical Implications

• The focus of evidence-based interventions is primarily on preventing cognitive decline or treating cognitive impairment rather than enhancing normal intelligence 8, 7
• Multimodal interventions addressing multiple risk factors simultaneously may be more effective than single interventions for cognitive health, but not specifically for increasing IQ scores 7

In conclusion, while various interventions may support overall cognitive health, there is no scientific evidence supporting reliable methods to increase IQ scores from 107 to 115 points. The complex interplay of genetic, environmental, motivational, and measurement factors makes such targeted IQ increases unlikely to be achievable through any current intervention.