Chris Hemsworth's Personal Health Journey
Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth has provided a candid update regarding his personal health, following his 2022 revelation that he carries a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease. This news comes as the actor embarks on an emotional journey documented in a new National Geographic film, Chris Hemsworth: A Road Trip to Remember, which premiered earlier this week.
A Road Trip for Memory and Family
The documentary follows the Avengers actor as he travels through Australia with his father, Craig, who is currently living with early-stage Alzheimer's. The heartwarming trip was conceived as an attempt to help spark his father's memories and strengthen their bond during this challenging time.
While the focus was squarely on his father, Hemsworth also turned the camera on his own wellbeing. He confirmed that he carries two copies of the APOE4 gene, a discovery made three years ago during the filming of the National Geographic docuseries Limitless. It is crucial to note that this genetic marker is not a formal diagnosis, but it does significantly increase an individual's risk of developing the condition later in life.
"This has become a very prominent conversation in my world, because I also have two copies of the gene that puts me in a higher-risk category for Alzheimer's," Hemsworth shared in the documentary. He was quick to add, "But it's not a problem at this point, and it may never be. So I'm far more focused on my dad right now."
Focusing on the Present and Dismissing Retirement Rumours
The actor expressed a determinedly positive outlook, choosing to concentrate on the present moment rather than worrying about an uncertain future. "I feel like it’s too far off, hopefully," he said regarding the potential onset of symptoms. "I'd rather just continue on with life."
This isn't the first time Hemsworth has had to address public speculation about his health. In an interview with Vanity Fair in April 2023, he forcefully dismissed rumours that he was considering retiring from acting because of his genetic predisposition.
"It really kind of pissed me off because it felt like I had been vulnerable with something personal and shared this," he told the publication. He clarified that despite his efforts to explain that "this is not a death sentence," the narrative was twisted into claims that he had dementia and was stepping back from his career.
Reflecting on the initial discovery in 2022, Hemsworth recounted how the show's longevity doctor, Peter Attia, insisted on delivering the news off-camera. The actor admitted the revelation was "pretty shocking" and far more "intense" than he had anticipated for a series originally intended to be a fun exploration of human longevity.
However, he has since reframed the experience as a positive catalyst. Hemsworth stated that it prompted him to seriously investigate everything he could be doing on the prevention and management front, turning a moment of fear into a motivating force for proactive health.
