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Five Questions With… Henry Simmons
We sit down with Henry Simmons, Chief Executive of Alzheimer Scotland, to talk about person-centred care, motivation, brain health and the songs on the soundtrack of his life, which you can listen to at the end of the feature.
Hi Henry, thanks for taking the time to join us during World Alzheimer’s Month.
Alzheimer Scotland’s annual conference focuses on the theme of ‘your voice, your choice, your future’ and the importance of person-centred care. What does person-centred care for someone living with dementia mean for you?
For me, person-centred care for someone living with dementia is about seeing the person, and not the diagnosis. It’s taking into account their hopes and aspirations and tailoring support specific to that person’s individual preferences and needs. It’s about enabling people to have choice, power and control in their lives. It’s about personhood, defined by pioneer in the field of dementia care, Tom Kitwood, as a ‘standing or status that is bestowed upon one human being, by others, in the context of relationship and social being’. It implies recognition, respect, and trust.
The Kitwood philosophy underpins all of our practice and innovation across Alzheimer Scotland, creating environments and opportunities where people with dementia feel safe, understood and valued.
You’re passionate about seeking to improve the rights and opportunities for people living with dementia and their carers in Scotland. What motivates you in your role as Chief Executive of a leading dementia support organisation?
My own personal drive and motivation is entirely fuelled by those around me. The colleagues who go the extra mile for the people we support, the highly skilled practitioners across all our services, the lived experience from that support which in turn shapes our campaigns, our key messages and our determination to make sure nobody faces dementia alone. It’s hearing directly from our Active Voice members on what drives and motivates them to use their own experiences to influence change. It’s the skilled and selfless volunteers who answer calls to our helpline at any time of day or night. It’s the supporters who go to great lengths to raise funds, which in turns means that we can provide that vital helpline. After 15 years in the role, my motivation has never wavered, and it is a privilege to be Alzheimer Scotland’s Chief Executive.
You have long been a supporter of Playlist for Life – what do you think the future looks like for non-pharmacological interventions like personally meaningful music in dementia care?
Therapeutic activities hold significant power in improving the wellbeing of people with dementia and interventions like personally meaningful music in dementia care are designed to engage people cognitively, emotionally, socially, and help maintain or enhance their quality of life. Again, it comes down to improving that sense of self and personhood through positive interaction. Non-pharmacologic interventions are simply vital in dementia care.
Alzheimer Scotland’s innovative initiative, Brain Health Scotland, inspires and empowers people to protect their brain and reduce the risk of diseases that lead to dementia. Is there anything you do to keep your brain healthy that you’d recommend to others?
The Prevent agenda has been a key component of our strategy for a few years now, indeed it is one of our three aims, Prevent, Care, Cure. We are, and always will be, here for people with dementia and their carers, and it was with very careful consideration we began to include the language of prevention in our key messaging. We now know that globally 40% of dementias could be preventable through the modification of 14 risk factors. Personally, I am really lucky my family are extremely active, if I am not playing football with my son or walking the dog with my wife, we will be planning our next trip or adventure. We are always busy and active and there is rarely a dull moment, which helps me wind down and keeps my brain very active. I simply try and keep things balanced with all the known risk factors, I think that’s the key and I would encourage anyone who wants to find out more about the modifiable risk factors that could prevent dementia and ways to keep your brain healthy to visit our Brain Health Scotland site.
Thank you to Henry for taking the time to share his thoughts with during such a busy time.
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Henry Simmons' personal playlist
The Gambler, Kenny Rodgers
I grew up in a big working-class family in Craigneuk, surrounded by real camaraderie, community spirit and optimism, despite some of the challenges of that time. This was one of my Dad’s favourite country songs and brings back all those memories.
Solsbury Hill, Peter Gabriel
I always find this song very uplifting, not only in melody and rhythm, but it was written by Gabriel after he left Genesis, perhaps a reflection of his personal liberation and taking bold steps into the unknown.
Back to Life, Soul II Soul
I was a working in a Community Mental Health Team in Brixton when this was released, and this song definitely brings back some very powerful memories from that time in my life and career.
The Chain, Fleetwood Mac
Stevie Nicks is one of my favourite female vocalists, and although she’s mainly harmonising on this track, I’ve picked it because it’s the only song on the Rumours album written by all five members and I think that’s pretty impressive teamwork.
Open Your Eyes, Snow Patrol
I really like how understated Snow Patrol are as a band, and this is a favourite track of mine from their Eyes Open album, which I think is timeless and heartfelt.
Beautiful Things, Benson Boone
From his new Fireworks and Rollerblades album, this is a very recent edition to my playlist. At some point in the future, I’ll hear this song and it will remind me of 2024, and how lucky I am. I look forward to the good memories it will evoke. timeless and heartfelt.
