What do Jane Austen, Sherlock Holmes, afternoon tea, the British monarchy and the Kremlin's favourite “Anglo-Saxons” have in common?

There is something unmistakably British about Skyfall. From Bond's impeccably tailored suits and dry humour to London's skyline, the River Thames, the Underground and the unmistakable sound of an English accent, the film seems determined to remind us that James Bond is not simply a global action hero. He is a British one.

We often think about health in terms of our heart, muscles, bones or immune system, while paying surprisingly little attention to the organ that controls almost everything we do: the brain. The brain regulates our thoughts, emotions, memories, movements and ability to learn. Although some changes in cognitive function are a natural part of ageing, there is growing evidence that our everyday habits can influence how well the brain functions throughout our lives.