Throughout life our brains undergo more changes than any other part of the body. These can be broadly divided into five stages, each profoundly affecting our abilities and behaviour. But we are not just passengers in this process, so how can we get the best out of our brains at every stage and pass the best possible organ on to the next? New Scientist investigates

1. Gestation: Setting the stage

2. Childhood: Soak it up

3. Adolescence: Wired, and rewiring

4. Adulthood: The slippery slope

5. Old age: Down but not out