Josephine Nduta’s life took an unexpected turn in 2019 when her body began to slow down, and simple tasks became an everyday struggle. Once an active professional working as an administrative assistant, Nduta, a mother of two, noticed changes in her body that initially went unnoticed. She began dragging her right foot, shuffling instead of walking, and found it difficult to perform daily activities like brushing her teeth or washing clothes.
At first, doctors misdiagnosed her condition as a pinched nerve, advising physiotherapy. But despite following this advice, Nduta’s symptoms worsened over the next three years. It wasn’t until 2022, when a friend took her to Kenyatta National Hospital, that she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The neurologist immediately recognized the signs, confirming what Nduta had feared.
Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, is commonly thought to only affect older individuals. Yet, Nduta, in her 40s, was faced with this diagnosis. The realization marked a life-changing shift for her. A mother who had once cared for her daughter with cerebral palsy now found herself needing care as well. Simple tasks, like changing her daughter’s diaper, which she once managed in 30 minutes, now took much longer due to her physical limitations.
Social isolation became another challenge as many in her community lacked understanding of Parkinson’s disease. Some even believed it to be a curse. Due to the stigma surrounding the condition, Nduta chose to stay home with her daughter rather than risk being misunderstood.
Despite these struggles, Nduta found solace in her faith and the support of others. Her daughter, though initially unaware of the condition, showed incredible strength and compassion. Nduta recalls being scared to tell her daughter about her illness, but the support she received was heartwarming. Her daughter’s response, “I will pray for you,” touched her deeply.
Joining a Nairobi-based Parkinson’s support group provided Nduta with a sense of community. Through these meetings, she realized that Parkinson’s affects people worldwide, not just those in her community. This newfound connection eased the loneliness she felt, and she began to understand the condition’s global nature.
However, one major hurdle remains: the rising cost of medication. Parkinson’s drugs, while essential for managing the disease, are expensive and not covered by the Social Health Authority. Nduta advocates for government support in subsidizing these costs to make treatment more accessible.
Determined to raise awareness about Parkinson’s, Nduta has started educating those around her, even explaining the condition to children in her family. One of her granddaughters, noticing her slow walking, asked why she walked that way. Nduta explained, “My nerves aren’t okay,” and the child’s innocent response, “I will pray for you,” reassured her that awareness, no matter how small, is a step toward understanding.
Despite the daily challenges, Nduta’s strength lies in her resilience and unwavering faith. She believes that even when tomorrow is uncertain, trusting in God’s plan allows her to take life one day at a time.
Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, is known to affect movement by gradually destroying brain cells that produce dopamine, a chemical necessary for movement control. The disease, while typically associated with older individuals, can affect people at any age, as Nduta’s story proves. Early diagnosis is critical, as subtle symptoms like a change in gait, sleep disturbances, or loss of smell can provide vital clues long before the more obvious tremors appear.
There is no known cure for Parkinson’s, but treatments can greatly improve quality of life. In Kenya, however, access to comprehensive care remains limited, and resources like physiotherapy, speech therapy, and specialized care are scarce. Levodopa, the most common medication used to treat Parkinson’s, is available in urban pharmacies but is often too expensive for many patients, especially in rural areas.
As Nduta continues to live with the disease, she remains a strong advocate for better awareness, improved healthcare access, and more support for those affected by Parkinson’s. It is through her story that many will find inspiration and a reminder of the importance of community, understanding, and compassion.
