Dope It Out Joyfully
Understanding some of the science helps me respond with more kindness
Dope Out Dementia
Because LOVE CONNECTS
Theme: The Beauty
Quick Take:
Dopamine is the brain’s ‘that felt good’ signal. It helps us notice pleasure, repeat what works, and stay motivated.
Balance matters - too little can drain movement and motivation, too much can lock us into habits and cravings. So a healthy middle of the road level of dopamine supports curiosity and joy.
Small moments really count. Laughter, music, movement, sunlight and connection create gentle dopamine boosts that steady the brain and lift everyday life.
A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down - and a spoonful of happy helps the dopamine flow.
Whenever people think of dementia they think of memory and what’s fading or what’s lost. In Last and Found I keep focussing on learning and finding the fun and the things that make a difference in a helpful way. And Dopamine ticks the boxes.
Dopamine is all about connection. It helps brain cells ‘talk’ to each other and strengthens new connections, new experiences.
It’s often called the motivator chemical transmitter and seeing as both carer and sufferer need ALOT of motivating, it feels pretty relevant!
What is Dopamine?
It’s a chemical messenger that helps brain cells (neurons) communicated. It’s very important for:
reward and motivation
learning and memory
mood regulation
control of movement
Scientists know that dopamine systems are disrupted in conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease - which means that anything that gently boosts dopamine might help brain cells keep the lines open. Makes sense, happiness is good for us!
How does Dopamine work?
When something good happens - like a laugh, a song you love, a smile from someone you care about - dopamine tells your brain that it feels good and says ‘let’s do it again’.
It strengthens the connections involved in that moment, making it easier to recall or repeat the experience the next time.
When there’s too little dopamine, movement and motivation can falter (as in Parkinson’s). When there’s too much, the brain over-reinforces certain habits or cravings (as in addiction). A healthy brain sits somewhere in the middle - balanced, curious, and open to joy.
Quick Dopamine Fixes
A deep tummy laugh. A square of dark chocolate. A message from someone you love. A favourite song.
These tiny moments matter. They’re like gentle reminders to your brain: You’re alive. You’re loved.
Steady Dopamine Drips
Every day joy is as good as any medicine.
Sunshine on your face. Walking or dancing. Breathing mindfully or gentle stretching. Good quality sleep. Cold water on your skin. A song from a daughter!!!
Every single word in my song “Dope Out Immense Years” was written from the heart, shaped by my experience with Milly. I suspect they are the words and actions - or close to them - that most dementia carers would choose.
In the early days, Milly would have been quite happy to keep life simple, as she does now. But she felt guilty, always worrying she was being lazy and that she “ought to do something”.
I used to say to her so often, especially when she worried she was annoying a friend or had forgotten a birthday:
“All those who matter don’t mind what you do. All those who mind don’t matter - it’s true.”
She loved this expression in the past but I’m not sure she truly believed it. And in a way, it isn’t completely true - because without the full picture, some friends can feel very hurt. This is one of the difficulties many people face in the early days, when memory issues are embarrassing and ignored for as long as possible and the truth is not spoken.
So… bring on the dopamine!!!
How Love Helps
It really is a chemical reaction.
Love helps us release oxytocin, serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine, creating a cascade of calm and connection.
When we feel love we feel safe and that allows the brain to rest and repair and keep making connections - even if memory falters.
So when you hold a hand, share a laugh, or sing an old favourite song with someone living with dementia, you’re not just being kind. You’re helping their brain cells connect - literally strengthening the pathways.