Brain Speed

Brain Processing Speed

Brain processing includes the time to it takes to capture information, process it, and respond. Brain processing speed is how long this process takes. It includes how we react to the incoming information, understand it and think about the information, formulate a response and execute the response.

Studies suggest that the speed of information processing changes with age, with a quicker speed in childhood and adolescence, stability leading up to middle age, and then slow by steady decreasing from middle age to late middle age and onward.

The reasons for this slowing are not understood and can vary from person to person. There is evidence that the decline reflects wear and tear of the white matter of the brain, which contains the neurons which connect one part of the brain to another. When neurons connect, they release neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters in the brain affect the speed of processing, as does the myelin (the fatty covering of neurons). Also, as the neural connections are created, they may have a large synaptic space (which makes connections and processing speed slower). Finally, there may be a less efficient frontal lobe which organizes and directs information (Slow Information Processing, 2010).

Reasons for Decreased Processing Speed

One possible reason why older adults may notice a decrease in processing speed can be from decreased sensory input (associated with hearing loss and reduced visual acuity which can also be associated with aging) (What is processing Speed, 2010). The more clear that the brain can register these sensory inputs, the better we can respond to and use it later. By missing these details, thinking slows down and there is a better chance of making mistakes. If the brain is fuzzy and imprecise due to dull sensory inputs, all of the higher operations in thinking and acting will suffer.

There can be a number of other reasons for a slower processing speed. They can include:

      • Diseases such as diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, or other vascular conditions which wear away affect the blood vessels which feed the white blood vessels

      • A neurodegenerative illness, such as Alzheimer’s

      • Head trauma, such as concussion (Walker, 2014)

      • Fatigue

      • Depression or anxiety

      • Emotional struggles

Signs of Slower Processing Speed

A person who has a slower brain processing speed will take longer to respond to questions and complete tasks. They might lose track of information and task requirements, and not be able to process complex information (such as following lengthy instructions and conversations) (What is processing Speed, 2010). There can be problems in attention, memory, organization, language, or executive functions. For example, as brain processing speed decreases, a person may have difficulty controlling their attention, be unable to access stored knowledge and skills, and may develop unorganized thinking and processing. They may notice difficulties in shifting their attention, performing memory tasks, and problem solving.

Tips to Help Those with Slower Brain Processing Speed

When someone has noticeable slowing in processing speed, there are things that you can do to help them better perform (Slow Information Processing, 2010) (Butnik, 2013):

  • Create a routine for everyday living at home, social routines, etc.

  • Provide more time to complete tasks.

  • Encourage them often. They may need help in getting started on a task.

  • If there is a task that they need to do, help them develop a plan. Break it down into smaller chunks. Use graphics to help organize.

  • Reduce distractions, and prompt them when they go off tasks.

  • Repeat directions, and provide gentle reminders.

  • When possible, engage in skills which they have learned in an earlier time, such as cards or chess. Encourage them to play a “speed game” which can assist in challenging brain speed.

How Lifestyle Choices Affect Brain Speed

Lifestyle choices remain the best way to stay on top of your game, and can help to slow the brain speed decline related to aging. According to Psychology Today, eight habits that can improve cognitive function include (Bergland, 2014):

    • Physical activity

    • Openness to experience

    • Curiosity and Creativity

    • Social connections

    • Mindfulness meditation

    • Brain training activities such as BrainHQ

    • Quality sleep

    • Reducing chronic stress

BrainHQ and Brain Speed

Improving the brain’s ability to see details in what is seen, heard, and felt is important in improving brain speed. BrainHQ exercises are designed to increase the quantity of sensory information that the brain takes in and improves the quality of brain processing and recording of information. This creates a ripple effect in the brain, improving the higher functions of the brain (Brain HQ's Scientific Design Principles, 2010). There are five exercises in the brain speed category. Let’s discuss why three of them might help (Merzenich, 2014):

  • Sound sweeps: By infusing sound into frequency sweeps, the exercise retrains your brain to recognize sounds quickly and accurately, helping you to understand what is said in the moment and create clear memories of what you hear.

  • Visual sweeps: A sight based version of sound sweeps. You perceive and judge inward and outward motions that get faster and faster. Different types of sweeps activate different sets of brain cells (one group might respond to horizontal motion, while a different group responds to vertical motion). Parameters change in the activities to utilize the highest possible number of neurons.

  • Fine tuning: This activity allows you to hear distinctions better. It uses sounds that can be confused to train the brain to hear the differences more quickly and clearly. It may mean that you don’t have to ask people to repeat themselves as often, and may help you to better remember what you have heard.

Specific Activities to Jumpstart the Brain



Any type of physical activity: aerobic exercise, yoga, strength training . . . all have been shown to improve brain processing speed. Exercise with math (walking fast while counting backwards by sevens) can be especially helpful to improve processing speed.




Enhance experience with this Ted Talk video, The Transformative Power of Classical Music.




Have you tried Mindfulness meditation? The UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center website has a collection of free guided meditations that you can listen to. Most are under 10 minutes. http://marc.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=22



Combine several things at once: Grab some friends and head out for some dancing at Balboa Park with the Balboa Park Dancers. The new skills, music, and social atmosphere will all work to improve processing speed in the brain. Classes in waltz, foxtrot, tango, cha-cha, swing, and other ballroom and social dancers. No partner necessary. Fridays (6:45 to 9:45 p.m.) and Sundays (6:45–9:30 p.m.) at the Balboa Park Club. Admission is $3 for members, and $5 for non-members; it has a $20 annual membership fee.




Or, if you prefer something less strenuous, how about a game of bridge? This is another Balboa Park activity, meeting at the Redwood Bridge Club in Balboa Park (map and directions). Open Monday through Saturday, with a dinner party every Saturday. Lessons and tournaments included. For more information, visit the San Diego Bridge Academy website.

A fun activity that you can do on your own is Image Streaming. In this activity, you just sit back and describe in vivid detail the images that go through your mind. You can use a tape recorder or ask a friend to listen to you.

Another solo activity which research suggests may improve creativity is merely to shift your eyes horizontally back and forth for 30 seconds. (Apparently, this helps the two spheres of the brain communicate.)

Try a game with friends in which speed is important. Pictionary and charades are examples. Or try board games, such as Balderdash (separates truth from fibs), Family Feud, or Cranium, which are all fun, social ways to improve your brain speed. Maybe you can have a board game party night, where you play several different board games.



Besides BrainHQ, there are other things you can try. For example, this is a yoga exercise which is used in schools to help children with learning disabilities focus. It is very simple, and takes less than 3 minutes. View this short video.

What will you do to improve your brain speed this week?

Let us know!

Works Cited

  • Bergland, C. (2014, March 12). Eight Habits that Improve Cognitive Function. Retrieved from

  • PsychologyToday: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-athletes-way/201403/eight- habits-improve-cognitive-function

  • Brain HQ's Scientific Design Principles. (2010). Retrieved from BrainHQ: http://www.brainhq.com/world-class-science/brainhq-effective/science-brainhq

  • Butnik, S. (2013, May/June). Understanding, Diagnosing, and Coping with Slow Processing Speed. Retrieved from Davidson Insititute for Talent Development: http://www.davidsongifted.org/db/Articles_id_10782.aspx

  • Merzenich, D. M. (2014, March 12). Why Does Brain Speed Matter, and What Can I Do To Improve It? Retrieved from On the Brain: http://www.onthebrain.com/2014/03/brain-speed-matter-can- improve/

  • Slow Information Processing. (2010). Retrieved from Learnet.org: • Decreased sensory input (associated with hearing loss and reduced visual acuity which can also be associated with aging) (What is processing Speed, 2010)

  • Walker, H. (2014, March 1). What causes the Brain to have Slow Processing Speed. Retrieved from Scientific American: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-causes-the-brain-to-have- slow-processing-speed-and-how-can-the-rate-be-improved/

  • What is processing Speed. (2010). Retrieved from HeadStrong Cognitive Fitness: http://www.headstrongbrain.com/FAQ/~Q5-182/What_is_processing_Speed