Chris Hemsworth has shared the scary news he has a higher-than-average chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Our favourite Australian actor learned the news while filming his Disney+ series Limitless, in which he makes healthier lifestyle changes to push back against the natural decline that comes with aging.
The 39-year-old was filmed as Dr Peter Attia informed him he is eight to 10 times more likely to develop the disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurologic disorder that causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to die, according to the Mayo Clinic.
There is no cure for the disease, however, medications may temporarily improve or slow the progression of symptoms.
Australian actor and Thor star Chris Hemsworth
“We’ve got every blood test one can get,” Attia told Hemsworth during an episode of Limitless.
“And you’ve got two copies of APOE4. A set from your mum and a set from your dad.”
APOE4 is the strongest risk factor gene for Alzheimer’s disease, however, inheriting the gene does not guarantee a person will develop the disease.
One in four people carry a single copy of the gene, but only 2 per cent to 3 per cent of the population has both, according to a 2021 National Institutes of Health study.
“The idea that I won’t be able to remember the life I experienced, or my wife, my kids, is probably my biggest fear,”.
Hemsworth has three children, India, 10, and twins Sasha and Tristan, both eight, with his wife, actress Elsa Pataky.
“It’s my belief that if we take every step possible, we can reduce your risk to that of anyone else,” the doctor went on to tell Hemsworth.
The Thor star explained his grandfather suffers from the disease.
“He either doesn’t remember who we are, you know, his grandkids, but also even his own children, for years. It’s heartbreaking,”
After learning the scary news, Hemsworth set to work to strengthen his memory, attempting to memorise hiking trails without assistance.
Source: SEVENNEWS
