Do people lose intelligence over time? Can you regain it?

Question

I dont feel as smart as I did just a few years ago. I'm only 20. Why do I feel this way? Can I get this feeling back?

Answer 1

Funny, I feel smarter and I think I use my intellect more now than a few years ago. Of course, I want to a High School that was more like a prison and it seemed to suck the life out of even one. Now, I'm in college and it the World seems brighter and more open.

Answer 2

I think you should GAIN intelligence as you get older by learning from mistakes and experiencing more things. You probably feel less smart because you haven't been doing much. Do you have any goals or whatever? And you can definitely get the feeling back. Start by focusing on things that interest you and learning more about it while having fun. Maybe you feel less smart because you aren't USING your intelligence?? Try it. Good luck.

Answer 3

It really depends.
The brain is like the rest of your body, if you are not exercising it, it weakens, is slower and less able to cope with stress or extra demands during a crisis.
Like your body, doing mental exercises builds up stamina and strength, increasing capacity and memory.
This can be crosswords, trivia, math puzzles (Sudoco, etc.), reading, studying, learning any new craft or skill.
Studies have shown that those who "exercise" their intelligence are far more likely to hold onto it for much longer.

Answer 4

You probably are in a less stimulating intellectual environment, if you are working. OR, you are more tired, if you are dating or married, or have kids. OR, you are now in college, competing with smarter peers.

If you had a nice rest of 4 months, and then took a course of study you were really interested in, you'd feel as smart as before!

Answer 5

I don't think it's natural to lose intelligence....we only get smarter...