In this issue, we shine a light on the inspiring journey of Christine Mungai, a former advertising powerhouse whose life took an unexpected turn when her mother was diagnosed with dementia. Christine left behind a thriving career to become her mother’s full-time caregiver, transforming her personal challenges into a mission to raise awareness and support families affected by the disease. Her story is one of resilience, love, and advocacy, reshaping the conversation around dementia care in Kenya.
Christine Mungai had built an impressive career as an advertising executive in Kenya, overseeing high-stakes campaigns for multinational brands. However, her life dramatically changed when her mother began showing early signs of dementia. It started subtly—her mother would drive on the wrong side of the road or lose her way on familiar routes. Initially dismissed as minor lapses in concentration, these incidents so soon became impossible to ignore. Her mother, once confident and independent, was diagnosed with early-onset dementia at just 50 years old.
The news was devastating. Christine’s father initially stepped into the role of primary caregiver, but the responsibility quickly became overwhelming. Recognizing that her family needed more support, Christine made the life-altering decision to leave her job to help care for her mother.
As her mother’s condition deteriorated, Christine faced the harsh, often heartbreaking realities of caregiving. Her mother’s memory faded rapidly, and soon she no longer recognized Christine. "It was heartbreaking," Christine recalls, "but I had to accept that I couldn’t change the course of the disease. My focus shifted to making my mom feel loved and cared for."
Following medical advice, Christine learned to adapt by entering her mother’s world rather than trying to pull her back into reality. This compassionate approach helped Christine maintain her mother’s dignity while preserving the emotional connection they still shared.
Determined to make a difference beyond her personal experience, Christine joined the Alzheimer's Dementia Organisation Kenya (ADOK). Using her expertise in advertising, she spearheaded campaigns to raise awareness about dementia, combat stigma, and support affected families. One of her signature initiatives, the Annual Karura Walk, brings together families, caregivers, and communities in promoting open conversations about dementia and Alzheimer’s.
"Stigma is a huge barrier," Christine explains. "Many families hide their loved ones out of shame, which isolates caregivers and makes the journey even more difficult." In her advocacy work, Christine challenges these cultural taboos encouraging openness and fostering support. She is also a vocal advocate for better resources, particularly around early diagnosis and caregiver support.
The emotional toll of caregiving was immense, but it was compounded by financial strain. In a moment of confusion, Christine’s mother donated all her savings to charity, leaving the family with limited resources to manage her care. This, combined with the physically and emotionally exhausting demands of caregiving, tested Christine’s strength to its limits.
Yet, despite the challenges, Christine remains committed to making the best of an impossible situation. “There’s no cure for dementia, but we can provide love, understanding, and support,” she says. Beyond her work with ADOK, she expanded her advocacy efforts to other nonprofits, where she supports underserved individuals facing their own health and life challenges. Today, Christine has come to terms with her mother’s condition. Although her mother no longer recognizes her, Christine cherishes their time together, finding meaning in the simple acts of caregiving. She continues to fight for better dementia care in Kenya, knowing that many families are navigating the same painful path. She acknowledges that the journey ahead will be difficult, but she is prepared to face it with the same resilience and love that have carried her this far.
Christine Mungai’s journey is a testament to the power of love, perseverance, and the strength that comes from turning personal struggles into hope for others. Through the tireless efforts to raise awareness and support families impacted by dementia, she is transforming the narrative around dementia care in Kenya and helping others navigate a path she knows all too well.
