The 39-year-old learned the news after taking tests during his Disney+ documentary series 'Limitless.'
After learning he had a higher-than-average chance of developing Alzheimer's disease, Chris Hemsworth said he is taking a hiatus from acting. After undergoing testing for his Disney+ documentary series Limitless, the 39-year-old found out the news. According to Vanity Fair, the star of Thor undertook a series of genetic testing to determine what, if anything, would be written into his very DNA to await him in the future. He claims in the program that what he learned was "my biggest fear." Though the data do not ensure an Alzheimer's diagnosis, Hemsworth claims they increase his risk of getting the condition by "8-10" times.
The APOE4 gene, which has been associated in studies to an elevated risk of Alzheimer's disease, is present in two copies in his genetic makeup—one from his mother and the other from his father. A 2021 research by the National Institutes of Health found that while one in four people possess the gene, just 2% to 3% of the population had both copies. The 39-year-old actor addresses what this means for him and his future in episode five of Limitless. He highlighted that the diagnosis of Alzheimer's is not difficult, but it is worrying nonetheless since the twofold occurrence of the gene puts him in a category of people who are far more likely to be affected by the condition. But Hemsworth says. “It’s not like I’ve been handed my resignation.”
He describes the discovery as a blessing. Hemsworth can start taking precautions to reduce the risk, maintain his bodily and mental well-being, and possibly delay the onset of the condition as much as possible. Gallows humor is one of the ways he is coping with it which has also caused him to reflect. He tells that he has become a world-famous actor over the past ten years because of his portrayal of the God of Thunder in Marvel Studios films. The actor additionally disclosed that it was debated whether or not he needed to disclose his outcomes on the program or keep them a secret. In the end, he chose to record his findings in the hope that they could encourage someone else to be tested so they might be better prepared to take preventative actions. “If this is a motivator for people to take better care of themselves and also understand that there are steps you can take—then fantastic."
Hemsworth emphasizes that he is not completely giving up acting despite his results, although he may be pickier with future roles. “I'm not talking about retiring by any means,” he said. “It's a more curated approach to things.” Hemsworth also confirmed to Vanity Fair that his grandfather has been diagnosed with the disease. He explained that in addition to his other contracted duties, he'll take a vacation from acting after his press tour for Limitless is through. Hemsworth will go back to Byron Bay, Australia, as per Elle, where he has lived for the past twelve years with actor Elsa Pataky, their twin boys Tristan and Sasha, age eight, and India Rose, age ten.
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Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Dia Dipasupil / Staff
