Redefining care: Dr. Agnes Chinelo Iwegbu’s new book on family and cultural advocacy

Dementia reshapes lives and, for Dr. Agnes Chinelo Iwegbu, it redefined family. In Michael’s Memories, the family physician opens up about the raw, personal journey of caring for her father and the lessons learned along the way.  

More than a memoir, this powerful book weaves together the emotional truths of caregiving with actionable guidance. Drawing from her dual lens as a daughter and a physician, Dr. Iwegbu offers readers a compassionate roadmap for navigating the dementia journey with strength and grace.

Included in Michael’s Memories is a care partner’s guide filled with practical insights and a culturally informed toolkit for aging and living well with dementia. This book shares true stories, medical knowledge and a strong message about making healthcare more welcoming for all. It’s meant for everyone, such as caregivers, families and doctors; helping them understand and support each other better. Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Dr. Iwegbu began her medical education at the University of Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious institutions. After earning her medical degree, she completed both her internship and the one year required national youth service program.

“From there, I moved to the United Kingdom (U.K.), completed my residency in family medicine and practiced there for several years,” she explains. “I raised my three children in the U.K.”

In August 2019, Dr. Iwegbu and her family relocated to Nova Scotia.

The move was sparked by an unexpected opportunity. “One afternoon in London, I was meeting a friend for tea when I got a text about a healthcare recruitment event nearby,” she says. “I wasn’t far, so I said ‘goodbye’ to my friend and went.”

At the event, a presentation about Nova Scotia captured her attention. “I saw this beautiful blue sea ... that sense of peace and tranquility really drew me in.” A family physician spoke about the experience of practicing in the province, which sealed her decision. “Right there and then, I was sold.”

A few months later, she visited Nova Scotia and by August 10, 2019, exactly one year after she met with Nova Scotia Health recruiters in London, she and her family had made Nova Scotia their home. “That’s how much I fell in love with it,” she says.

Dr. Iwegbu always knew she wanted to be a doctor. As the eldest of seven children, caregiving came naturally. However, it wasn’t until her father was diagnosed with dementia that her personal and professional worlds truly intersected.

She recounts a traumatic night in the U.K. when her father went missing. “I slept through it,” she says. “The front door was open; I ran down the street, shouting for help.”

Her father was finally found and taken to the hospital. That moment changed everything. "That experience taught me I couldn’t do it alone,” she adds, “I had to ask for help.”
The experience of being a caregiver for her father, along with her involvement with the Alzheimer Society of Canada, inspired Dr. Iwegbu to write the book.

“I wrote it from two perspectives: one as a family physician the other as a daughter and caregiver,” she says. Her work as a physician liaison between the Black community working group and the dementia guidelines committee for the Alzheimer Society of Canada also played a key role.

“They wanted to create a culturally informed toolkit for disclosing a dementia diagnosis. I understood both the clinical context and the cultural sensitivities, so, I was well-positioned to support that effort.”

Her book explores emotional vulnerability as a caregiver and practical strategies for families navigating dementia, among other subjects. It addresses cultural stigma, promotes prevention and advocates for more culturally competent care within the healthcare system.

“Our voices need to be heard, especially those from underserved communities,” she points out. “Asking for help isn’t a weakness, it's a strength.”

Dr. Iwegbu is currently completing a master’s degree in global public health and remains a passionate advocate for inclusive, community-centred dementia care. Her book outlines evidence-based strategies to reduce dementia risk.

As many as 40 percent of cases can be prevented, she says, by making healthy choices like staying active, eating well, and spending time with others.

On May 10, she will host a book launch and dementia advocacy event at Dalhousie University in Halifax. The event will feature keynote speakers from psychiatry, pharmacy and family medicine.

Her siblings, who have their own individual caregiving journeys, will join her for a live reading and panel discussion.

“We hope our story resonates with the audience,” Dr. Iwegbu says, “and helps build a more compassionate, culturally aware approach to dementia care.”

Whether you are a care partner, healthcare professional or someone seeking to better understand dementia, Michael’s Memories shows respect for people living with dementia, helps them stay strong, and supports caregivers so they feel appreciated and encouraged.

Photo of Dr. Agnes Chinelo Iwegbu.