We all know that regular exercise helps to keep your body healthy, but what about your brain?

Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training: How Old Is Your Brain? is an exercise regime for your mind.

Developed by Nintendo in conjunction with renowned Japanese neuroscientist Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, Brain Training is a collection of quick mental exercises made specifically to help stimulate the brain.

Available only for the hand-held Nintendo DS, Brain Training is designed to be played for just a few minutes each day; say on a coffee break or while travelling to work.

Holding the Nintendo DS sideways like a book, and using the stylus and touch screen like a pen and paper, you perform simple mathematical and word-based exercises. Based on the speed and accuracy with which these exercises are performed, you are given a score in the form of a ‘Brain Age’. For some tasks, you only need to speak your answers, which are recognised by the DS’ built-in microphone.

A built-in calendar keeps track of your daily progress, and the friendly face of Dr. Kawashima is always on hand to offer words of wisdom. Completing tasks earns you marks, which can be used to unlock further challenges.

Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training also includes the hugely popular sudoku numbers game. More than 100 puzzles are included and you can obtain more from wireless DS Download Stations in shops.

Brain Training has been a massive hit in Japan, selling almost 1.4 million copies; and was especially popular among older players, with two-thirds of owners aged over 25.

Whether you’re a gamer or a non-gamer, male or female, young or old - can you resist the question: “How old is your brain?”