Chris Hemsworth has opened up about the steps he is taking to change his life after finding out he is at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in the future.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Alzheimer's is a progressive brain disorder that is the most common cause of dementia.
It is characterized by changes in the brain that cause it to shrink and brain cells to eventually die, and the symptoms commonly include a gradual decline in memory, thinking, behavior, and social skills, gradually causing the patient to lose the ability to function.
While it is most often diagnosed over the age of 65, Chris discovered he is at increased risk of developing Alzheimer's after undergoing a genetic test for his Nat Geo documentary series Limitless with Chris Hemsworth.
Chris is doing everything in his power to lessen his risk of getting Alzheimer's in future. Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty ImagesThe Thor star, 40, was found to have two copies if the gene APOE e4, which is linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's, and said on the show: "You’re constantly thinking you’re going to live forever, especially as a young individual.
"Then to be told that this might be the thing that might take you out was like, whoa - it kinda floored me."
While hearing that prognosis was scary, Peter Attia, M.D., a specialist in longevity and the consulting doctor on Limitless, explained to Chris that while having the gene puts him at eight to 10 times higher risk of getting Alzheimer's than the average person, it does not mean that he will definitely develop it. Conversely, not having the gene also doesn't guarantee an individual will never have Alzheimer's either.
Dr Attia also revealed that he believes aggressive lifestyle changes can reduce the risk so that Chris's chance of getting the condition would be the same as anyone else's, telling him on the show: "This will motivate you to take steps today that most people [in their 40s] would never think about until they’re in their 50s or 60s."
Chris told Men's Health: "It was a good kick in the a**e and a reminder to do whatever is in my power to give myself the best fighting chance. Whatever work I’m doing for my brain health benefits the rest of my body - we turned it into a positive."
He revealed that he had the option to cut the revelation out of the documentary but chose to leave it in to raise awareness and encourage others to either get checked or to learn more about brain health and what they can change to give themselves the best chance of avoiding conditions like Alzheimer's.
According to Dr. Attia, exercise could be key to lowering the risk, as endurance work and strength training both improve blood flow, blood-sugar management and metabolic efficiency, as well as lowering stress.
Sleep is key to brain health also, as the brain needs rest to rid itself of intracellular waste that can build up between neurons, while brushing and flossing teeth helps to reduce systemic inflammation.
Dr Attia also recommends using a sauna for four 20-minute sessions at week at 180 Fahrenheit or hotter, claiming it can reduce Alzheimer's risk by 65%.
He also states that when a person begins to lose their hearing they should get hearing aids as the "brain withers" when it receives fewer auditory inputs.
Chris has long been known for his shredded shape, so the exercise part he already had down, but revealed that he has made many changes to give himself the best chance to avoid Alzheimer's.
He revealed: "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.
"I do a lot of meditation and breath work mostly during sauna and ice bath routines. For me my favorite mindfulness work comes from the immersion in physical actives that allow me to be fully present and force me out of me head and into my body, in particular surfing."
He also revealed that he has taken on a strict sleep routine, including turning off screens an hour before bed and reading before going to sleep, as well as letting thoughts go and "just stepping back from the internal chatter."
Chris also opened up on the fact his bodyweight tends to change a lot depending on his roles, as well as his desire to challenge his body in different ways, and more recently is lifting weights less frequently in favor of more cardio and endurance workouts, which he prefers to "bodybuilding style sessions".
He was already a fan of exercise but overhauled his lifestyle in other ways to benefit his health. Credit: David Benito/Getty ImagesHaving the diagnosis in the back of his mind has also made Chris prioritize spending time with his family amid his busy schedule, telling Dr. Attia on his Drive podcast: "It 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 don’t want to be in a sprint anymore. I want to be right here and appreciate everything that’s in front of me."