Assessing Mental Acuity Using Bioelectrical Impedance Spectroscopy Based Biomarkers

This study investigates the correlation between compositional biomarkers and the mental acuity of university students, focusing on their ability to perceive, solve, and creatively address complex problems. Thirty young adult volunteers participated, undergoing an Intelligence Quotient (IQ) test and bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy-based biomarker assessments. Participants were categorized into “excellent”,”good”, and “average” groups based on IQ test results. Biomarkers such as body fat (BF), basal metabolic rate (BMR), body mass index (BMI), body fat mass index (BFMI), fat-free mass index (FFMI), and cell membrane capacitance (CMC) were found to be significantly correlated (i.e., the statistical significance level has been set at a p-value < 0.05) with cognitive scores. The “excellent” category participants exhibited lower BF, BMI, BFMI, FFMI, and CMC but higher BMR compared to “good” and “average” categories. Using cluster-based techniques with various combinations of two significant biomarkers, the study effectively differentiated “excellent” participants. This research contributes to assessing participants' mental acuity through biomarkers, offering insights into their performance on academic indices amid increased pressures and challenges.