Last reviewed: May 12, 2026 Last updated: May 12, 2026

Written by: Jay Hastings , CEO of PlexusDx

Jay Hastings is the CEO of PlexusDx, a precision health company focused on genetic testing, blood biomarker insights, and personalized wellness recommendations. He has more than 20 years of experience across healthcare innovation, genomics, laboratory operations, healthcare investing, and strategic finance. His work has included scaling healthcare startups, leading CLIA lab integrations, and helping expand consumer access to precision health tools.

Medically reviewed by: Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA

Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA, is the PlexusDx Medical Science Liaison with a PharmD and MBA specializing in pharmacogenomics and clinical product development, with a proven ability to bridge the gap between genomic research and practical patient outcomes. Dr. Lee has more than 10 years of professional experience in clinical pharmacy, academia, and research.

This article is part of the PlexusDx Education Hub — your resource for evidence-based guidance on brain & cognitive health. Browse all Brain & Cognitive Health education

Have you noticed that some people grasp new information almost instantly while others need a beat longer to reach the same conclusion? That difference reflects processing speed — how quickly the brain takes in, interprets, and responds to information. Processing speed underlies reading, decision-making, and reaction time, and it is shaped by a blend of genetics, brain structure, and lifestyle. Understanding the genetic side helps explain natural differences and points to habits that support cognitive health.

What processing speed is

Processing speed is a core cognitive trait: the rate at which you perform simple mental tasks accurately. It is not the same as intelligence, but it influences how efficiently other cognitive abilities operate. Fast processing frees up mental resources for reasoning and memory; slower processing means those resources are spent earlier. Processing speed naturally varies between people and tends to shift across the lifespan, which is why supporting it matters at every age.

COMT, dopamine, and prefrontal efficiency

The COMT gene encodes an enzyme that clears dopamine from the prefrontal cortex, the brain region that manages speed and flexibility of thought. The COMT Val158Met variant (rs4680) changes how fast this happens. The Val version clears dopamine quickly, which can favor faster processing under some conditions, while the Met version maintains higher dopamine levels, often favoring stable working memory. Neither is superior overall — each shapes a different profile of cognitive strengths and trade-offs.

BDNF and neural plasticity

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, from the BDNF gene, supports the health and adaptability of neurons and the connections between them. The BDNF Val66Met variant (rs6265) reduces activity-dependent release of the protein, which research has linked to differences in learning efficiency and cognitive performance. Because BDNF is strongly responsive to aerobic exercise, sleep, and mental challenge, it is a prime example of a gene whose expression you can influence — even though its sequence never changes.

Other genes linked to processing speed

Processing speed is polygenic. Large genome-wide studies have identified additional contributors, including CADM2, a gene involved in synaptic connectivity that has been repeatedly associated with information-processing speed and related cognitive traits. Genes affecting myelination — the insulation that lets nerve signals travel faster — also matter, since white-matter integrity strongly influences speed. No single gene dominates; the trait emerges from many small genetic effects working alongside brain structure.

Lifestyle factors that support processing speed

Genetics sets a baseline, but daily habits shape how you perform within it. Aerobic exercise boosts BDNF and cerebral blood flow. Consistent, high-quality sleep clears metabolic byproducts and supports the myelin that speeds signal transmission. Cognitive challenge, stress management, and a nutrient-rich diet all contribute. These levers are within your control, which is why processing speed is best viewed as trainable within genetic limits rather than fixed.

What pathway-level genetic insight reveals

A genetic report will not assign you a processing-speed score or diagnose any condition. What it offers is context about the pathways involved. The Precision Peptide Genetic Test analyzes 14 pathways, 49 peptides, 150+ genetic insights across cognitive and neurological pathways, so variants like COMT Val158Met and BDNF Val66Met appear in the framework of your broader biology. Genetics is a guide, not a guarantee. PlexusDx tells you about your biology; it does not tell you what to put in your body — the insight is meant to inform lifestyle and provider conversations.

Want to see how your COMT and BDNF variants map across cognitive pathways? Take the Precision Peptide Genetic Test to learn how your genes shape these pathways — the "test before you invest" approach that turns guesswork into an informed conversation with your provider.

The Precision Peptide Genetic Test analyzes how your genes influence peptide-related biological pathways. It does not recommend, prescribe, or determine which peptides you should use, and it does not diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical condition. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any peptide protocol.

Frequently Asked Questions About Processing Speed

What is cognitive processing speed?

Processing speed is how quickly your brain takes in, interprets, and responds to information during simple mental tasks. It underlies reading, reaction time, and decision-making. It differs from intelligence but affects how efficiently reasoning and memory operate, and it is shaped by genetics, brain structure, and lifestyle.

Which genes affect processing speed?

Processing speed is polygenic. COMT (rs4680) influences dopamine in the prefrontal cortex, BDNF Val66Met affects neural plasticity, and CADM2 has been tied to processing speed in genome-wide studies. Genes governing myelination also matter, since faster nerve-signal transmission depends on white-matter integrity. Many small effects combine.

Can I improve my processing speed?

You can support it within genetic limits. Aerobic exercise raises BDNF and blood flow, quality sleep maintains myelin, and cognitive challenge builds efficiency. Nutrition and stress management help too. You cannot change your DNA sequence, but you can influence gene expression and the lifestyle factors that shape performance.

Does a genetic test measure my processing speed?

No. A genetic test does not score processing speed or diagnose any condition, and PlexusDx does not. It provides pathway-level context about variants in cognitive and neurological systems. That education can inform lifestyle choices and provider conversations, but performance itself is measured through cognitive assessment.

This article is part of the PlexusDx Education Hub. Browse all Brain & Cognitive Health education

Medical and Editorial Standards

Medical review process: This article was reviewed for medical accuracy, scientific clarity, evidence alignment, and appropriate discussion of genetics, medications, supplements, biomarkers, and health-related claims.

Sources and evidence: PlexusDx educational content is developed using peer-reviewed research, clinical literature, reputable medical references, and, where applicable, public health or regulatory guidance. References are included at the end of the article when scientific, medical, or health-related claims are discussed.

Commercial transparency: PlexusDx offers genetic testing, blood biomarker testing, personalized supplement recommendations, and related precision wellness services. Product mentions are intended to help readers understand available options and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

Important disclaimer: PlexusDx educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about medications, supplements, genetic testing, lab testing, or health-related care.