Chris Hemsworth says he will “take a little while” when he finishes promoting his latest show, after discovering he has “an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease”.
The 39 year old man Star of Thor learned the news while filming his new documentary series Limitless, after taking a series of genetic tests which showed he had two copies of a gene called APOE4, both from his mother and father, who has been linked to an increased risk of developing the degenerative brain disorder.
A 2021 study showed that only about 2-3% of the population have both copies of the gene, making them about eight to 10 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
The Aussie actor told Vanity Fair the diagnosis was his “biggest fear”, but added “it’s not like I’ve received my resignation”.
Although the results are by no means predeterministic, they are considered a strong indication that the person could continue to develop the disease.
Hemsworth told the publication that he was told about his diagnosis off-air and the producers had the option of not discussing it on the show, but decided he wanted to share the news with others to “motivate them to take better care”. themselves” and highlight the “preventive measures” available to fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
He said the news “really sparked something in me to want to take some time off” and that he plans to go home “to have a good time off and just simplify. Be with the kids, be with my wife.”
Hemsworth has three children with his Spanish actress and model wife, Elsa Pataky, and they live in Byron Bay, Australia.
Click to subscribe to Backstage wherever you get your podcasts
The actor – including siblings Liam and Luke are also Hollywood stars – did not say if his brothers, or his parents, continued to be tested.
He said it was possible his children – daughter India Rose, 10, and twin sons, Sasha and Tristan, eight – might want to get tested in the future to see if they too have the double gene .
Hemsworth’s grandfather is currently living with the disease, and he described him as “a really nice guy”, adding: “I’m not sure he remembers much more.”
Hemsworth’s next two big films will be the Mad Max: Fury Road prequel Furiosaand Extraction 2, both in post-production.
Limitless, which is made by National Geographic, aims to uncover the secrets of longevity, presenting Hemsworth with extreme challenges, including walking to the top of a skyscraper and meeting a death doula.
Limitless With Chris Hemsworth is available now on Disney+.
