# US adult cognitive score decline research > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-adult-cognitive-score-decline-research > Updated: 2026-08-20T23:33:34.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 4. Research involving approximately 400,000 American adults tested between 2006 and 2018 suggests a potential reversal of the Flynn effect, a long-observed trend of rising IQ scores. Findings published in the journal Intelligence indicate declines in several cognitive abilities, including logical reasoning, memory, and processing speed. Social scientist Elizabeth Dworak of Northwestern University, utilizing data from the SAPA Project and the ICAR test, identified these trends. The research indicates that overall IQ scores are declining across all age groups, genders, and education levels. The decline is most pronounced in individuals aged 18 to 22 and those with lower education levels. Specifically, significant decreases have been noted in logical reasoning and pattern recognition, also referred to as “matrix thinking.” However, the shifts are not uniform across all domains. While logical reasoning and verbal comprehension have remained stable or declined, spatial visualization and mental rotation abilities—the capacity to visualize and manipulate three-dimensional objects—have shown measurable improvement. Some researchers suggest increased video game popularity may influence these shifts, though this remains untested. Researchers note that these trends began before the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of generative artificial intelligence. Potential factors under consideration include lifestyle changes, digital technology use, nutritional and environmental factors, and educational practices. Some commentators suggest the shift may reflect the “outsourcing of mental tasks like calculation and orientation to smartphones.” In a related context, research into cognitive aging suggests that perceived intelligence decline in older age may be driven by generational and methodological factors rather than biological decay. Studies by researchers Dickinson and Hiscock suggest that the Flynn effect may account for 38% to 67% of observed variations in intelligence testing, noting that perceived stability or decline may sometimes be an artifact of testing methodology. ## Claims - Analyzed cognitive test data from approximately 400,000 subjects between 2006 and 2018. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Overall IQ scores have declined across all age groups, education levels, and genders. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Logical thinking and pattern recognition skills have decreased. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Spatial visualization abilities have shown an increase, contrary to the general trend. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The decline in scores is most pronounced among 18- to 22-year-olds and individuals with lower education levels. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Verbal comprehension skills have remained largely unchanged. (corroborated by 5 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-20: Research challenges the myth of inevitable cognitive decline with age Research indicates that perceived declines in intelligence with age are often statistical illusions caused by generational differences and the Flynn effect rather than actual cognitive decay. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/research-challenges-the-myth-of-inevitable-cognitive-decline-with-age ### 2026-08-15: Northwestern University study finds decline in logical reasoning and IQ scores A study of 400,000 subjects reveals a reversal of the Flynn Effect, showing declining logical reasoning and IQ scores, while spatial visualization abilities have actually improved. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/northwestern-university-study-finds-decline-in-logical-reasoning-and-iq-scores ### 2026-08-09: Research indicates potential reversal of the Flynn effect in IQ scores Studies indicate a potential reversal of the Flynn effect, with recent data from 400,000 US adults showing declines in abstract and logical reasoning despite improvements in spatial rotation skills. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/research-indicates-potential-reversal-of-the-flynn-effect-in-iq-scores ### 2026-08-06: US Study Finds Decline in Adult Cognitive Skills Since 2006 A study of 394,000 US adults (2006‑2018) shows declines in logical reasoning, memory and processing speed, sparking debate over a possible Flynn effect reversal. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-study-finds-decline-in-adult-cognitive-skills-since-2006 --- Cite as: US adult cognitive score decline research. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-adult-cognitive-score-decline-research