Chris Hemsworth Inherits Alzheimer’s Gene

Most celebrity news is fun and light-hearted, but a more sobering headline emerged recently. Chris Hemsworth, the Australian actor best known for his role as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), announced a shocking health discovery. While filming a new TV series, Hemsworth discovered that he has inherited the “Alzheimer’s gene”. So, what is this gene and how will this impact his acting and life in general going forward? Love and Thunder Chris Hemsworth has been a beloved mainstay on screens since beginning his acting career with small roles and then a more prominent stint on Aussie soap Home and Away in 2004. Of course, most fans grew to know and love Hemsworth through his work playing Marvel’s take on the Norse God, Thor. Since first appearing as Thor in 2011, his star has only risen – with the latest instalment, Thor: Love and Thunder, being released this year. The Alzheimer’s gene While taking part in a new documentary, Limitless, Hemsworth received the news that he has a higher-than-average risk of suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. The so-called “Alzheimer’s gene”, APO-e4, indicates a stronger genetic predisposition to the disease. It is believed that between 40 to 65 percent of those diagnosed possess the gene itself. While the gene APO-e4 is not uncommon, Hemsworth has two copies – one from his mother and father. This raises his risk further and confirmed his “biggest fear” of coming true. Family history Once Hemsworth learned of this, he revealed that his grandfather suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. This has naturally caused concern for the whole family, but the confirmation has led Hemsworth to consider serious lifestyle changes. Taking some time For fans of Hemsworth, the good news is that he isn’t retiring from acting altogether – nor does he believe that this genetic predisposition is a certainty. Rather, he has done some serious reflecting on the fast pace of his life and career and decided to slow down and take some time off. With a young family of his own, Hemsworth said, “I’m going home and I’m going to have a good chunk of time off and just simplify. Be with the kids, be with my wife.” Research and reflection For those with a predisposition towards Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to note that genetics aren’t the only factor at play. As Hemsworth’s decision indicates, lifestyle is vital, too. Reducing stress and strain, improving sleep, and committing to a good diet and exercise are also essential, both for those with strong genetic markers for Alzheimer’s and those diagnosed with the disease. By focusing on these things, Hemsworth can improve his quality of life now and in the future. Though receiving news like this is always frightening, taking time out of the public eye to process and re-adjust hopefully means that Chris Hemsworth will be able to do what he loves for years to come. In doing so, he will no doubt prove to be an inspiration to others who are touched by Alzheimer’s disease.

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