Chris Hemsworth, famed for wielding Thor's hammer, has taken to Instagram to share an update on a personal battle.
Two years ago, during the filming of his Discovery+ series Limitless - which explores ways to enhance longevity and quality of life - Hemsworth discovered he carries two copies of the APOE4 gene, significantly heightening his risk for Alzheimer's disease.
The revelation came while Hemsworth was participating in an episode about memory, which included a thorough analysis of his brain.
It was a pivotal moment for the now-41-year-old actor, who learned he inherited the gene from both his parents, making his case particularly notable since carrying two copies of APOE4 is linked to a much higher risk of developing Alzheimer's.
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 most often diagnosed over the age of 65.
Chris Hemsworth has previously opened up about how he has altered his routine following the news. Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
The disorder 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.
He said at the time: "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."
Following this discovery, Hemsworth decided to step back from acting, sparking rumors of retirement. However, he clarified that he had already planned to take a break after a grueling decade of back-to-back filming, averaging three to four productions a year.
His hiatus was brief, as he returned to the big screen in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga earlier this year and lent his voice to Optimus Prime in Transformers One, released just two months ago.
Now, he has provided fans with an update on his health journey.
In his recent Instagram post, Hemsworth shared a snapshot alongside Dr. Adeel Khan, a pioneer in regenerative stem cell research. He expressed his enthusiasm for Dr. Khan's work with MUSE cells, a groundbreaking type of regenerative stem cell, and his collaboration with Professor Mari Dezawa, who developed these cells.
"Really enjoyed meeting Dr. Adeel Khan (@dr.akhan)," Hemsworth wrote. "His work with MUSE cells – an incredible type of regenerative stem cell, is unique.
"The fact that he collaborates directly with Professor Mari Dezawa, who pioneered these cells, made me feel confident that I was in the hands of someone at the very forefront of regenerative medicine."
This health update comes amid rising global concerns about Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Over six million Americans currently live with Alzheimer's, with more than 55 million people affected worldwide - a number projected to nearly double every 20 years.
This staggering increase emphasizes the urgency in understanding and combating this debilitating condition, which slowly degenerates the nervous system, leading to eventual death.
Last year, Hemsworth opened up to Men's Health about how he has changed his workout routines following the news. He 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."
"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," Hemsworth added.
"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."
We wish Hemsworth the very best on his continued health journey.
