In each stage of life, our brains morph and change. On this week's show, TED speakers explore pivotal chapters where the brain can either flourish or decline -- and what control we might have over brain health.

At birth, babies' brains look pretty similar. But by age five, there are acute disparities in development. Through a series of studies, Kimberly Noble has found one major factor is family income.

Teenagers often make risky choices that appear absurd in the eyes of their parents. But neuroscientist Adriana Galv�n says these decisions are critical for adolescent brain development.

 

Adults don't generate as many new neurons as children or teenagers--but some growth is still happening. Neuroscientist Sandrine Thuret explains how we can encourage the production of more nerve cells.

We associate menopause with the ovaries, but its symptoms start in the brain. Neuroscientist Lisa Mosconi explains how brain health during menopause affects the rest of the body.