Chris Hemsworth has announced that he will “take some off” acting after he finishes promotion of his new show. He discovered that he is at greater risk for Alzheimer’s.
After taking a series genetic tests, the Thor star found out that he had two copies (from both his mother as well as his father) of a gene called APOE4, which is linked to an increased chance of developing the degenerative brain disorder.
A 2021 study found that around 2-3% of people have two copies of the same gene. This makes them eight to ten times more likely to get Alzheimer’s.
The Australian actor said that he was afraid of the diagnosis, but added that he wasn’t being forced to resign.
Although the results are not conclusive, they can be used to predict if the individual will develop the disease.
Hemsworth stated that he was told of his diagnosis off-air and offered the option to not talk about it. However, he decided to share the news with others to “motivate them” and highlight the “preventative measures” to fight Alzheimer’s.
He stated that the news had “really triggered an in me to want some time off”; he will return home to “have a good chunk off and just simplify.” Be with my children, be with me.”
Hemsworth is married to Elsa Pataky (Spanish actress and model) and has three children. They live in Byron Bay, Australia.
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The actor, whose siblings Liam, Luke, and their parents are Hollywood stars , did not mention whether his brothers or parents were tested.
He suggested that his children, India Rose, 10, and Tristan, 8, who are twins, may be interested in getting tested to determine if they also have the double gene.
Hemsworth’s grandfather, who is now afflicted by the disease, described him as “a really nice guy” and added: “I don’t know if he remembers much anymore.”
Hemsworth’s next two major films will be the Mad Max prequel Furiosa and Extraction 2. Both are currently in post-production.
National Geographic’s Limitless series aims to discover the secrets of longevity. Hemsworth is presented with extreme challenges such as walking on top of a tall building and meeting with a funeral doula.
Disney+ now offers Limitless with Chris Hemsworth
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