In the latest edition of Five Questions With we speak to Dr. Frank Dunn CBE, Trustee of Playlist for Life about his lifelong career in medicine and role in supporting us to reach our goals.
Hi Frank, thanks for joining us. You’ve had a very varied career as a Consultant Cardiologist and former president of The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. You also grew up in the grounds of Stobhill Hospital where you father worked. Which chapter of your career have you have enjoyed the most?
That is a difficult one. I can honestly say that I have enjoyed the whole of my medical career which has catapulted me into my patients’ lives and then worked with them to secure an increase in their life expectancy, to improve the quality of their lives – however long that maybe and to comfort and support them. The privilege has been mine and I am very fortunate to have had such a long and fulfilling career.
Could you tell us about a time you’ve seen the power of music for someone living with dementia, or in another environment, that stands out to you?
I went to visit a much respected senior medical colleague with advanced dementia who was barely able to speak. He was lying in bed with Classic FM in the background. I knew he was a strong Christian and therefore asked him if he would like to sing a hymn with me. I used my Spotify to play The Lord is My Shepherd and his face immediately lit up. He sang the whole song with me. That for me clearly demonstrated the joy in the moment that music can bring even in the most advanced stages of dementia.
What do you think is key to attracting widespread support from funders and policy makers to help us ensure everyone with dementia has access to a personal playlist as part of their care plan?
The fact of the matter is that every family in the country has someone they know who has dementia. Our fundraising Golf Day presents an opportunity to each year spread our message to a wider audience. If we convince one person of the value of a playlist, the hope is that they will convince ten each of whom will convince another ten and so on. This coupled with a direct approach to our policy makers is already bearing fruits in embedding our message in dementia guidelines. We must not let up on hammering home our message.
Managing our health and wellbeing can help us lower the risk of developing dementia. Is there anything you do for you own health and wellbeing that you’d recommend to others?
One of the saddest aspects of some well meaning families of patients with dementia is to protect them so that others will not know of their diagnosis. There is no shame in having dementia. Keeping busy and engaging with others is so important in maintaining an active brain. Even when patients have established dementia, companionship helps them to enjoy life in the moment and may even slow the progression of the disease. Examples of this are choirs, social clubs and golf. I am determined to keep interacting on as many fronts as possible for as long as possible.
Now You Has Jazz, Bing Cosby and Louis Armstrong (from High Society)
One of my favourite musicals and a classic joyful song with two great stars
Song of the Plough, The McCalmans
This has been a popular number at our family gatherings. Great melody and lyrics. The McCalmans at their best.
The How Beautiful are the Feet, Handel’s Messiah
We attend the Messiah every new year and love the whole Oratorio. This is one of the lesser known refrains but so beautiful.
I Find Your Love, Beth Neilson Chapman
I love so many of BNCs compositions, but this one is especially moving and meaningful.
The Way You Look Tonight
Lovely melody and a powerful love song. Composed by Jerome Kern and sung initially by Fred Astaire and then by countless others.
The Marriage of Figaro, Duettino-Sull’aria
Such a beautiful duet so movingly delivered in my favourite all time movie, The Shawshank Redemption.
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