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At what age does reaction time peak? Unpacking the science of speed

Research using complex video game tasks involving thousands of participants indicates that reaction time, or cognitive processing speed, often peaks around age 24. This marks the culmination of physical and neurological development that results in the fastest possible responses, before a gradual decline begins. However, this is just one piece of the puzzle, as many other factors contribute to and can compensate for age-related changes in overall responsiveness.