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.

Processing Speed

Have you ever observed that certain people process information at an incredible speed while others need additional time to understand the same content? A remarkable genetic trait called processing speed holds the key to understanding this phenomenon. This blog post examines processing speed and investigates its significant role in cognitive health as well as the genetic factors that influence this capability.

Processing speed functions as a cognitive biomarker by measuring the rate at which individuals comprehend and react to presented information. This measure stands as a primary gauge of cognitive ability which demonstrates how effectively mental operations function. Processing speed follows a similar life trajectory to other cognitive functions as it reaches its maximum level during early adulthood before it decreases with age.

Genetic factors serve as a primary determinant of processing speed in individuals, but multiple elements can affect how rapidly they process information. Research shows that genetic factors account for about 65% of the variation in people's processing speed. The role of genes connected to brain development and functionality emerges as crucial in determining processing speed which underscores the complex interaction between genetic factors and cognitive performance.

Genetics play a major role in shaping processing speed but external factors can also influence this cognitive attribute. The speed at which people process information diminishes due to habits like smoking and poor eating combined with insufficient sleep while health issues such as diabetes and hypertension also contribute to this decline. The processing speed of an individual gets affected by aging as well as brain injuries and mood disorders which shows how cognitive health includes multiple interconnected factors.

Examining the genetic basis of processing speed presents important knowledge for enhancing brain health and cognitive performance. Understanding how genetics and lifestyle choices work together enables people to actively improve their processing speed while reducing cognitive decline risks. Precision Health & Wellness tests from PlexusDx help individuals explore their genetic predispositions for processing speed and understand their mental and cognitive health comprehensively. Taking advantage of these tests enables individuals to comprehend their genetic information better and make knowledgeable choices regarding their cognitive health.

Processing speed stands as an essential marker for cognitive health which results from genetic influences together with environmental conditions. Through genetic testing and healthy living individuals can enhance their mental processing abilities and sustain cognitive health over time. Visit PlexusDx to discover Precision Health & Wellness tests for cognitive health improvement which you can purchase through PlexusDx.com as well as on Amazon and Walmart.

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.