While working on the National Geographic docuseries Limitless with Chris Hemsworth for Disney+, the Australian actor received some shocking news about his health. For the series, which examines the ways people can live better and longer, he had bloodwork done and the results were so surprising that the doctor, who was initially scheduled to tell him the results on camera, decided to tell him in private.
Chris Hemsworth told Vanity Fair: "Peter Attia, who is the longevity doctor in that episode, and overseeing a lot of the show, called [show creator] Darren [Aronofsky] and said, 'I don't want to tell him this on camera. We need to have an off-side conversation and see if he even wants this to be in the show.' It was pretty shocking because he called me up and he told me."
The tests showed that he has two copies of the gene APOE4, which has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. As it turns out, Chris's grandfather is living with Alzheimer's and having the gene makes Chris "eight to 10 times more likely" to develop Alzheimer's himself.
Chris says the discovery "really triggered something in me to want to take some time off. And since we finished the show, I've been completing the things I was already contracted to do. Now when I finish this tour this week, I'm going home and I'm going to have a good chunk of time off and just simplify. Be with the kids, be with my wife."
He also said that in the future, he's going to be more selective about the projects he agrees to appear in. "I'm going to recharge now and just not be so focused on the future — and what's next? And what else is coming? And what haven't I done? I'm in a state of, not passive, but a little more surrendering to [the idea that] things are as they are. I don't mean that in a sort of apathetic way, but there's a stillness to my thinking about it all now."
Limitless with Chris Hemsworth is now streaming on Disney+.
Really sorry to hear this news. He may have the gene but that doesn't mean it's going to develop today. He might not get it until in his 90s. But I understand the need to get over the shock first then come to this realization. Take care, my friend.
This is stupid. Having the genes does not mean that they will express themselves in disease. Everyone in the world has the defective genes associated with some major diseases they will never have. Understand the science.
Chris if you believe in The Higher Power visit this church.... Church International in Warrior Alabama!.. Miracles happen there all the time. This is not a joke, I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and I hope this message is not censored, erased or deleted. I ask you to give Chris a chance to find out for himself to see if God will do what He says He will do. If you, THE OWNER have any mercy don't deny Chris a chance to live out the life he was born to live. Let him decide for himself. Chris I'm praying for you. All you need to do is believe! nay sayers, unbelievers, haters, and the like hold your tongue and wait quietly for His report. "I believe" should be the only thing you think about to .concerning this matter. what do you have to lose? God bless you. Don't give up on life. REMEMBER DON'T DOUBT IT!
Chris, you have enriched our lives beyond compare! You've have a purpose for being here and it has and will make the ripple that it was meant to have. I enjoyed all your work and it has made me a better person to know of your existence. Love be with you always, Your friend. :-)
Chris, So sorry to hear Chris. Lots of research in play, hopefully there will be an extraordinary breakthrough.
When I saw the title I legit thought Chris had contracted early onset Alzheimers... I'm glad he didn't and hope that he doesn't get it later in life.
I was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment about 3 years ago. I have 4 generations who've passed from it BUT they were all in their 80's...Just live with love... and appreciating every single day. I take a low dose of Donepezil and Citalopram.... Every Day Is A Gift...enjoy it.
@Andrew.. what do u mean by stupid? the article? Chris? that's a callous remark. if you meant to be reassuring, it doesn't come across. Anyhoo, our hearts and prayers for Chris.. hope it does not manifest. you are still young.. you will find a purpose to help others even more... God bless...
This is a misleading headline, leading one to believe that Hemsworth has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. He was told he had the genes for it. Already having a family member with Alzheimer's wouldn't he have thought that it might be a possibility? My mother had Alzheimer's for years and recently died. I'm aware that I might also have the genes for it. Hemsworth is realizing that he's mortal, that's all. More people should take the time to be with their families and realize what's important. It shouldn't take the threat of illness to do so.
Having the genes for Alzheimer's does NOT determine the fate of your brain. I just completed a course with an organization in my area called Memory Matters. Here are a few takeaways. There are 5 things to do for your brain health: LIFELONG LEARNING, RELAXATION, HEALTHY EATING (Mediterranean Diet), SOCIALIZATION (staying connected with family and friends) and EXERCISE. Decades of research shows that the brain has the capacity to continually grow and rewire itself. Neurogensis is the brain's ability to grow new brain cells thoughout a lifetime. It's a matter of making new pathways when old ones get clogged (as in Alzheimer's.) Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections. Life-long brain plasticity means your lifestyles and behaviors play a significant role in how your brains evolves physically and functionall as you get older. Spending time with family is always a good thing. Love and hug them all. Stay hydarated, your brain is 73% water.
I think that he is making a good decision. considering how poor the movie GHOSTBUSTERS turnout
My friend found his father when we were about to grad from highschool and his father told him he had a disease which was hereditary. My buddy got tests done and yes, he had the genes. Did it stop him from living his life? Nope, but he was always aware of it. It has now manifested itself but at least my friend has no regrets. FYI he's only 46yrs old. Another highschool bro got married and had 2 kids with his wife and she got early onset Alzheimers in her mid-40's and now is in a home. It can happen early or later, but you gotta take as good care of yourself as you can and live your life and love the ones who love you too. I don't think Chris is just now realizing this and stepping back from acting, he is just spending MORE of his time doing the things to make himself happy which still includes his professional life as well as family life. I read the article as he is just putting more emphasis on the family and fitness part now.