After realizing he has a higher-than-average risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, actor Chris Hemsworth said he is taking a vacation from performing.
After taking testing for his Disney+ documentary series Limitless, the Thor actor discovered the revelation.
The tests verified his “worst fear,” he told Vanity Fair, adding that he will now try to take “preventative steps.”
The most prevalent type of dementia, Alzheimer’s, can impair memory, cognition, and communication.
Hemsworth discovered that he carries two copies of the gene ApoE4, one from each parent, increasing his risk of contracting the illness by eight to ten times compared to people who don’t carry both copies of the gene.
Between 2% and 3% of people have two copies of the gene.
Although Hemsworth clarified, “It’s not like I’ve been handed my resignation,” the news “definitely triggered something in me to want to take some time off.”
The benefit of taking preventative measures, he said, “if you look at Alzheimer’s prevention, is that it influences the remainder of your life.”
“It’s all about managing your sleep, your stress, your diet, your activity, and your fitness. The tools involved are essentially the same and must be used consistently.”
Hemsworth tests his body and looks into ways to live longer and healthier in the Limitless series.
He clarified that although he had not received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, he had been made aware of the increased risk. Although it’s not a pre-deterministic gene, he claimed it is a strong signal. “I think it was more of a factor ten years ago,” the speaker said.
The creator of the series, Darren Aronofsky, told Hemsworth privately when they received the results, contrary to the original plan for the series, which called for him to get all of his genetic test results live on camera.
After being given a chance to opt-out of any mentions of Alzheimer’s in the show, the Marvel actor chose to leave them in to raise awareness and understanding.
He explained his hesitation, saying,
“I really didn’t want to twist it, over-dramatise it, and make it into some sort of cheesy try at empathy or something for entertainment.”
Hemsworth additionally informed the publication that his grandfather has been given an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
The actor recently wrapped up filming on George Miller’s upcoming Mad Max sequel Furiosa, which will be released shortly.
The 39-year-old stated that after concluding the Limitless marketing tour and his other contracted jobs, he would take a sabbatical from acting.
He will return to Byron Bay, Australia to spend time with his three children and partner, actor Elsa Pataky.
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