Chris Hemsworth Takes A Break From Acting Due To Fear Of Alzheimer’s: 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.
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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.”
I for one want to thank @chrishemsworth for coming forward to talk about Alzheimer’s prevention and the APOE4 gene. As he points out, this is not a guarantee for getting the disease, but now he knows he can take preventive measures. https://t.co/nKz0UFzyTJ
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) November 21, 2022
He said the benefit of taking preventative measures, “if you look at Alzheimer’s prevention, is that it influences the remainder of your life.” “It’s all about managing your sleep, stress, diet, activity, and 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.
Try @CentrFit free for 6 weeks and join me on the #LimitlessWithChrisHemsworth Challenge https://t.co/PTnOyT6kQW pic.twitter.com/bKVr4MAi2u
— Chris Hemsworth (@chrishemsworth) November 20, 2022
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.
Last week was one for the books! Thankful for everyone’s support of #LimitlesswithChrisHemsworth! This series from @natgeotv has been a long time in the making & it was so fun to share it with so many of you. If you haven’t had a chance to check it out, it’s now on @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/t59NHk8rWw
— Chris Hemsworth (@chrishemsworth) November 23, 2022
After being given a chance to opt out of any mentions of Alzheimer’s in the show, the Marvel actor left them in to raise awareness and understanding.
He explained his hesitation, saying, “I didn’t want to twist it, over-dramatize it, and make it into some sort of cheesy try at empathy or something for entertainment.”
We wish to extend our support & thanks to actor @chrishemsworth who shared he carries 2 copies of the Alzheimer’s risk gene APOE4.
People who inherit 1 copy of APOE4 (roughly 1 in 4 people) are around 3x more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than the rest of the population.
— AlzheimersResearchUK 🍊 (@AlzResearchUK) November 21, 2022
Hemsworth informed the publication that his grandfather had 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.
