Drawing from the most recent neurological research, this guide translates these findings into techniques, exercises, & self-tests that are designed to stimulate learning & memory retention skills from infancy to old age. Practical insights into the way the brain develops are provided, including what newborns respond to & what a child can understand when--with specific references to the "Mozart Effect" controversy & self-consciousness in the terrible twos. Explained are such hot topics as why studying before sleep uses dreaming to file facts away & what to eat to keep brains alert after lunch.