Chris Hemsworth Breaks Silence: Sheds Light On Alzheimer's Findings And Action Plan

Hollywood heartthrob Chris Hemsworth, 40, has recently disclosed profound changes in his life after receiving a startling test result that revealed he's prone to Alzheimer's.

The Australian actor, widely known for his role as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, was dealt a blow with the news that he has two copies of the gene APOE e4, which is linked to an increased risk of the disease.

Hemsworth noted that he opted against keeping the revelation a secret in a bid to share his journey and raise awareness about the impact of this life-altering diagnosis.

The "Extraction" actor demonstrated vulnerability in "Limitless with Chris Hemsworth," a National Geographic Documentary on longevity released last year, where he was diagnosed with two copies of the gene APOE e4, making him vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease.

In the documentary, Hemsworth opened up about the emotional rollercoaster he experienced after receiving the test results, noting that he was "floored" by the revelation.

"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," he said on the show, per Daily Mail.

Dr. Peter Attia, a specialist in longevity and the consulting doctor on the documentary, divulged that while the result meant that the actor was "eight to ten times" at higher risk than everyone else, it wasn't a death sentence in itself. Dr. Attia noted that with an "aggressive" lifestyle adjustment, he can reduce his risk and become just as susceptible as everyone, calling Hemsworth's early detection a "blessing."

In response to Dr. Attia's recommendations, the actor outlined significant lifestyle changes he has adopted to prioritize his mental and cognitive health during a recent interview with Men's Health Magazine. Hemsworth, known for his intense workout regimen, stated that while workouts are important, he is now focusing more on "mindfulness work" and "incorporating more solitude into his life."

"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," he told the news outlet.

The change is seemingly an all-encompassing, holistic approach, as Hemsworth spelled out that it has also affected his sleep, fitness routine, screen time, and work-life balance, pointing out that those areas have also received more attention over the last year or so.

Elsewhere on the "Limitless with Chris Hemsworth" show, the charismatic actor turned his diagnosis into a powerful call for understanding, early detection, and support for the disease. Rather than shying away from the situation by choosing to edit it out of the documentary, Hemsworth decided to harness the power of his platform to shine a spotlight on Alzheimer's awareness.

The actor was particularly vocal about the significance of early detection, emphasizing that undergoing the test was a crucial step in managing the disease. By sharing his diagnosis, he hopes it will inspire other people in similar situations to "either go and get checked or to understand more about brain health and see what they have within their power to change."

"It was a good kick in the a-- and a reminder to do whatever is in my power to give myself the best fighting chance," Hemsworth shared. "Whatever work I'm doing for my brain health benefits the rest of my body—we turned it into a positive."

Despite his current health status, Hemsworth recently showcased his down-to-earth dad's side during a family adventure in the picturesque landscapes of Iceland. 

In a recent post he shared on Instagram, the actor swapped his famous Thor hammer for handlebars as he explored the rugged terrains astride ATVs and even joined forces with his daughter, India Rose, in what he affectionately called their "Bikey Gang."

"Day 3 in Iceland, started a bikey gang with my daughter," Hemsworth joked in the caption. "Currently we're the only two members, and that's how we'll keep it for now."

The actor has been spending time with his daughter on a getaway to Iceland, sharing glimpses of their escapade on Instagram. In one post, Hemsworth is seen riding ponies with Rose on roads, fields, and water. During their first day on the expedition, the "Avengers" actor shared a post of them climbing glaciers, walking across geological formations, and standing on a black sand beach together.