Chris Hemsworth discovered he has a genetic condition that makes him much more likely to get Alzheimer’s disease. This happened while he was making his National Geographic show called Limitless. He found out he has two copies of a gene named APOE4. This means his risk for Alzheimer’s is eight to ten times higher than average. Instead of letting this news scare him, Hemsworth decided to make big changes in his life. He now focuses on staying healthy, spending time with family, and taking on new mental challenges.
The actor learned about his genetic risk during the first season of his show. Doctors told him that having two copies of the APOE4 gene greatly increases his chances of developing Alzheimer’s later in life. About one in every fifty people have this same genetic combination. Research shows that nearly all double carriers show early signs of the disease by age 55. Hemsworth said this news created a “gear shift” in how he thinks about his life and health.
“It was just kind of this point in my life where up until your 40s, you’re kind of gathering data and information and it’s all reactionary and then you get to a point where you think, oh some of this sort of identity that I’ve sort of built doesn’t hold true anymore,” Hemsworth told Sky News. “There’s some inner sort of protest or inner voice that has a deeper need to understand.”
Hemsworth Makes Health and Family His Priority
After learning about his increased risk, Chris Hemsworth changed his daily habits. He now puts more energy into activities that are good for his brain and body. He also changed how he works. He is more selective about movie roles so he can spend more time with his wife Elsa Pataky and their three children. Friends say the family has become much closer since his health news.
“They’ve spent the past two years living each day like it’s his last,” said a longtime friend. “That diagnosis changed him. He no longer just takes on any movie role.” Hemsworth himself has said his family is his main focus now. He wants to create special memories with his children while he is still healthy.
Hemsworth also makes sure to have one-on-one time with each of his kids. He has taken each child on special trips. He took his son Tristan off-roading and to a theme park. He went camping with his daughter India. He took his other daughter Sasha to a jiu-jitsu camp. His goal is to be present and engaged as a father.
New Challenges To Keep The Brain Sharp
For Hemsworth, staying healthy is not just about diet and exercise. He believes in challenging his brain with new and difficult tasks. In the second season of Limitless, he decided to learn how to play the drums. This was very hard for him and pushed him far outside his comfort zone. His big challenge was to play the drums in front of 70,000 people alongside his friend Ed Sheeran.
“Some of the other challenges where if I did the training it was beneficial, but I could kind of muscle my way through it. You can’t do that with a musical instrument,” Hemsworth explained. He said the fear was overwhelming, but the joy of succeeding was incredible. He described it as an “out of body experience” and one of the most magical feelings he has ever had.
This kind of mental challenge is important for brain health. Learning new skills helps build new connections in the brain. This can potentially help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Hemsworth is using his show to encourage others to try new things and stay mentally active.
Hemsworth’s Four Key Habits for Longevity
Chris Hemsworth has adopted several key habits to fight his genetic risk. These habits are recommended by doctors and scientists for longevity.
- Mindfulness and Exercise: Hemsworth now does more meditation and breathwork. He also changed his workouts. He does less heavy weightlifting and more cardio and endurance exercises. He enjoys surfing because it helps him stay present and focused.
- Quality Sleep: He prioritizes getting good sleep. He avoids screens for an hour before bed and reads most nights. Good sleep helps the brain clear out harmful proteins and consolidate memories.
- Strong Social Connections: Hemsworth spends more time with his family and friends. Social activity is linked to a lower risk of dementia. He values making memories with his loved ones.
- Healthy Diet: While he hasn’t shared all details, he follows a balanced diet. Doctors often recommend a Mediterranean diet for brain health. It includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats.
“It was a good kick in the arse and a reminder to do whatever is in my power to give myself the best fighting chance,” Hemsworth said. “Whatever work I’m doing for my brain health benefits the rest of my body—we turned it into a positive.”
Understanding the APOE4 Gene and Alzheimer’s Risk
The APOE4 gene is the most well-known genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Everyone inherits two copies of the APOE gene, one from each parent. There are three types: E2, E3, and E4. The E4 variant increases the risk of Alzheimer’s. People with one copy of E4 have a higher risk. People with two copies, like Chris Hemsworth, have a very high risk—up to 12 times the average.
It is crucial to know that having the APOE4 gene does not mean a person will definitely get Alzheimer’s. It only means the risk is higher. Many people with the gene never develop the disease. Likewise, people without the gene can still get Alzheimer’s. Genetic testing can provide information, but it is not a perfect predictor.
A Positive Outlook on a Serious Warning
Chris Hemsworth has chosen to see his genetic risk as a warning and a motivator. It pushed him to live a better and healthier life. He is grateful he found out because it helped him make positive changes. He also hopes that by sharing his story, he can help others. He wants to encourage people to take care of their health and spend time on what truly matters.
“If I didn’t know this information, I wouldn’t have made the changes I made,” Hemsworth told Vanity Fair. “I just wasn’t aware of any of it, so now I feel thankful that I have in my arsenal the sort of tools to best prepare myself and prevent things happening in that way.”
He is not interested in extreme life-extension methods. Instead, he believes in enjoying life and accepting that death is a natural part of it. His goal is to live well, not just live long.
Also Read: Chris Hemsworth Learns Drums From Scratch to Perform With Ed Sheeran in New Docuseries
Credits: news.sky.com, vanityfair.com, nowtolove.co.nz
