By Mashudu Mabila
The Thor star Chris Hemsworth says he is taking a break from acting after learning he has a heightened risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The mega star made the discovery after undergoing tests as part of his Disney+ documentary series Limitless.
He said he wanted to go public to increase understanding and awareness of the disease, adding that the tests confirmed his “biggest fear” and he will now be trying to take “preventative steps”.
He made it clear that he had not been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, but had been warned of the heightened risk.
Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia, resulting in confusion, memory problems and communication issues.
The 39-year-old learned that he has two copies of the gene ApoE4, one from his mother and one from his father, making him between eight and 10 times more likely to develop the disease than those without both copies of the gene.
According to studies and research, only about two to three percent of the population carry two copies of the gene.
The Hollywood icon went on to reassure fans that he would not be “handing in his resignation”, but added that the news “really triggered something in him to want to take some time off”.
“If you look at Alzheimer’s prevention, the benefit of preventative steps is that it affects the rest of your life,” he said.
“It’s all about sleep management, stress management, nutrition, movement, fitness. It’s all kind of the same tools that need to be applied in a consistent way,” he said.
The A-lister also confirmed that his grandfather was currently being treated for Alzheimer’s.
He said he would take a break from acting after finishing the publicity tour for Limitless, along with his other contracted work.
The actor will soon be seen in George Miller’s forthcoming Mad Max sequel Furiosa, which concluded filming earlier this month.
Pictured above: Chris Hemsworth as Thor
