He was the son of Count Christoph von Dohna and his wife, Countess Ursula of Solms-Braunfels (24 November 1594 in Braunfels – 18 August 1657 in Turnhout).

His brothers Frederick and Christopher Delphicus also served as army officers.

He expanded the fortresses of Berlin and Küstrin and on 2 March 1666, he was promoted to General of the Infantry.

In 1671, he became head of a newly formed regiment in Küstrin that was named after him ("Dohna zu Fuß").

On 6 April 1644, Christian Albert married Countess Sophie Theodore of Brederode-Vianen (16 March 1620 in Vianen – 23 September 1678 in Halberstadt).