This song is where everything started.

It grew from the moment I realised that if I could give my mother small bursts of joy - little sparks of dopamine - life became easier for both of us.

My early notes and reflections slowly shaped themselves into the first scenes of a play about dementia … a project that eventually turned into a full musical.

Dope Out Immense Years was the very first song to find its place in that story. Dope Out from dopamine, that all-important ‘feel good’ chemical, and Immense Years, my twist on the word dementia.

In the musical, the song is performed by Nurse Jo at the memory clinic.

When the doctor first uses the word dementia, Cece is shaken. Sensing her distress, the nurse quickly turns the moment around with warmth and humour, playfully reframing the word as ‘immense years’ and referring to Cece becoming a widow and having health issues. She gently explains all the things that can help her - reminding her that joy, and fun activities are still important.

It also reflects the denial in many people living with dementia. In the musical, Nurse Jo uses the phrase to soften distress, offering comfort and a moment of emotional ease.

Dope Out Immense Years is composed by Tomas Barrios from Argentina and sung by Leila Yasmine, a French-American vocalist based in France whose voice combines sensitivity and quiet power.