IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN

The NYT's annual 5-day challenge focuses on the brain

- DANA G. SMITH

Every January, The New York Times offers readers a five-day challenge to improve some aspect of their health. This year's edition is focused on the brain.

There are a lot of scary headlines about brains these days. One recent report estimated that the number of people in the United States with dementia would double by 2060. That figure doesn’t tell the whole story: Though the total is increasing, the rate of dementia in the United States — that is, the percentage of people with the condition — is actually dropping. The same is true for strokes.

That's good news, and experts say it's due in part to changes in our health. Far fewer people smoke cigarettes, for instance. And we are now much better at taking care of our cardiovascular health, which is linked to brain health.

The brain shrinks with age, typically starting in a person's 30s. But there are real, practical steps you can take to protect your brain health, for example: Move those muscles, eat fatty fishes like salmon for omega-3 acids, and get more sleep. We're here to help you get those habits started.

TIME FOR A POP QUIZ

This covers some of the cool things your brain does and ways to keep it performing at its best. Pay attention: There are a few curveballs in the mix.

To start, memorise these words. You'll need them later in the quiz:

Cow Teacher Angry Green Train

1. When does your brain stop changing?

In utero

In your 20s

In your 60s

Never

2. Which activity has been shown to give your brain an immediate boost?

Watching TV

Eating fish

Exercising

Doing a crossword puzzle

3. True or False: Feeling lonely is bad for your brain.

True

False