What is it, really?
Processing speed is infrastructure: it shapes how comfortable it is to follow a fast conversation, how long it takes to find an item in a list, and how easily you react when something suddenly changes.
It is also one of the most-studied areas in cognitive ageing: the processing-speed theory (Salthouse, 1996) proposes that much of age-related cognitive change relates to a slowing of processing itself — which is why researchers measure it so carefully.
How researchers measure it
A classic measure is the Trail Making Test: connect numbered circles in ascending order, as fast as you can, against the clock. Detailed norms by age and education have been published for it (Tombaugh, 2004). Other tasks measure choice reaction time — how quickly you pick the right option among several. Our "Trail Making" game is built around the Trail Making principle, and "Quick Perception" around fast, accurate responding.
What it looks like day to day
In daily life: reacting in time when the car ahead stops suddenly, catching the station name in an announcement, or simply keeping up with a lively conversation.
About the research
The most influential theory of the link between age and processing speed.
Salthouse, T. A. (1996). The processing-speed theory of adult age differences in cognition. Psychological Review.
The norms of the Trail Making Test — the task our "Trail Making" game is built around.
Tombaugh, T. N. (2004). Trail Making Test A and B: Normative data stratified by age and education. Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology.
This page explains how researchers define and measure this ability. It is not medical advice and not a promise of training outcomes.
Games built around Processing Speed
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