In 2022, Chris Hemsworth found out he had two copies of the APOE4 gene placing him at a much higher risk for being impacted by Alzheimer’s disease.
In his docuseries, Limitless, he took a genetic test that revealed he was a part of the 2-3% of the population to have both copies of the gene, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Despite it not being a hard diagnosis of Alzheimer’s it’s still a cause for concern. Chris told Vanity Fair, “My concern was I just didn’t want to manipulate it and overdramatize it… It’s not like I’ve been handed my resignation.”
He did change his lifestyle and announced that he would be taking a step back from acting to focus on his family in light of the news.
Chris Hemsworth and his wife, Elsa Pataky are spending time together after the news about his Alzheimer’s.
(Credit: Instagram)
In October 2023, Chris Hemsworth opened up about his Alzheimer’s to Men’s Health and revealed the lifestyle changes he’s made.
“Whatever work I’m doing for my brain health benefits the rest of my body – we turned it into a positive.” He told Men’s Health.
He’s always been focused on his physical health but after the news he’s made subtle changes to his routine to focus on his mental health.
“For me, my favourite mindfulness work comes from the immersion in physical activities that allow me to be fully present and force me out of my head and into my body, in particular surfing.” He revealed that meditation and breathwork, work best for him while in a sauna or cold plunge. Combining the physical with the mental.
Christ says that a sauna is the ‘best way to finish a workout’.
(Credit: Instagram)He’s also made sure to get better sleep. We’ve all been told to stay off our phones before going to bed but Chris has made it official, “Trying to stay off screens an hour before bed and read most nights definitely helps.”
He’s also been making a change in his physical fitness. Even changing from weightlifting to more cardio and endurance work.
The Alzheimer’s Society has looked at several studies that say the effect of exercises that increase heart rate has reported improvements in thinking and memory.
The biggest change is stepping back from acting and focusing on his work-life balance.
Chris Hemsworth and his daughter took on a glacier hike in Iceland.
(Credit: Instagram)“(The gene test results) made me think about my kids and how they’re growing up and things are changing so dramatically, and I want to sit, I want to soak it in,”
“I want to be right here and appreciate everything that’s in front of me.”
He had told Vanity Fair, “I’ve always been pretty consistent with my exercise commitments, but lately I’ve really felt the importance of taking time for yourself without any outside voice or stimulation and making time for stillness.”
