The New Scientist of 28 May 2005, lists 11 ways in which you can boost brain performance and/or slow the effects of ageing on your grey matter. See the full story here. In short, they are:

• Smart drugs – drugs that increase awareness, decrease need for sleep, etc
• Food for thought – certain food types stimulate alertness, especially by releasing certain vitamins and compounds
• The Mozart Effect – maybe the most controversial, but certain music enahcnes brain activity in vital cortexes of the brain
• Bionic Brains – implants ahead
• Gainful employment – use it, or lose it – we’re beginning to understand that the brain has RAM, too
• Memory marvels – using memory techniques – not just for super IQ’s
• Sleep on it – allowing your brain a chance to organise, file and process can lead to great results
• Body and mind – get your body in shape, it is your brain’s home
• Nuns on a run – researching the unnatural longevity and alertness of the School Sisters of Notre Dame on Good Counsel Hill
• Attention seeking – focus is critical
• Positive feedback – just tell your brain its great, and it will be