Gabrielle Giffords, the U.S. Congresswoman who survived the bullet through her brain is making a remarkable recovery. She made the news today with a story about the use of music in aiding her recovery.

Since music and rhythm work across all parts of the brain, the Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR) is using music therapy to aid her in recovering speech and memory. Music, rhythm and poetry are great ways to stimulate the brain and aid its functioning.

Music therapy has been used in many different settings from working with brain injured patients, such as Ms. Giffords, to aiding individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. So add music to your brain stimulating activities as a way to keep your synapses snapping.