Are we set to change neurocognitively in certain ways? In this presentation, I use magnetic resonance imaging, standardized and experimental cognitive and registry data to show how individual differences in neurocognitive change and plasticity are influenced by factors through the lifespan. A challenge is now to identify the impact of factors at different life stages, including early life factors, on later neurocognitive changes and plasticity. Example influences discussed include prenatal environment, genetics and lifestyle variables. Taking factors present at birth into account may further understanding of both the mechanisms at work early in life, and what and how residual variance may be affected by late-life factors.