Chris Hemsworth says learning about his heightened genetic risk for Alzheimer’s has completely transformed how he approaches his health, career, and family life. The 41-year-old actor discovered the news while filming the Disney+ series Limitless, a documentary exploring human longevity. During production, genetic testing revealed he carries two copies of the APOE4 gene—one from each parent—putting him at an estimated eight to ten times higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s than someone without both copies.
Hemsworth told the BBC that the results became “a warning sign and a motivator” to take better care of himself, as well as a chance to raise awareness about a condition that affects millions. Alzheimer’s is the leading cause of dementia, gradually impairing memory, reasoning, and cognitive function. But after sharing his story, Hemsworth says he was frustrated to see rumors spiral—claims that he was retiring or already showing symptoms. “It kind of p***ed me off,” he told Vanity Fair. “I’d been vulnerable and shared something personal, and suddenly the story became that I have dementia and I’m quitting acting.”
Instead, the discovery prompted a major shift in his lifestyle. Gone is the relentless “crawl out of the gym” training mentality. “I used to think if I wasn’t crawling out of the gym, I hadn’t worked hard enough,” he told Body + Soul. Now, he focuses on patience, listening to his body, and thinking about longevity rather than short-term gains. His current routine blends physical fitness with mindfulness, quiet time, and mental exercises designed to support brain health. “Time without outside voices or stimulation is essential,” he told Men’s Health.
Hemsworth has also begun exploring regenerative medicine. Recently, he met Dr. Adeel Khan to learn about MUSE cells—specialized regenerative stem cells found in bone marrow and connective tissue. “The fact Dr. Khan works directly with the scientist who pioneered these cells gave me confidence,” he wrote on Instagram.
Perhaps the biggest change, he says, is how he now weighs professional opportunities against family time. Living in Byron Bay with his wife, Elsa Pataky, and their three children, Hemsworth has become more selective about projects, asking himself whether the work is worth what it takes away from home. “Sometimes giving that extra 20 percent to work meant diminishing returns,” he reflected.
While he’s open to certain advanced health practices, Hemsworth is wary of extreme “biohacking” trends. For him, the focus is on realistic, sustainable strategies. “There’s no point in living longer if you’re isolated and unhappy,” he said. “I’m going to invest in my health, but I also want to enjoy life.” He also speaks openly about mortality, believing that avoiding the subject only creates suffering. “Suffering comes from denying that death is inevitable. We all have an expiration date.”
Longevity expert Dr. Peter Attia has suggested that with the right lifestyle adjustments, Hemsworth could reduce his Alzheimer’s risk to match that of the general population—a possibility the actor calls a “blessing in disguise.”
Far from stepping back from his career, Hemsworth is set to reprise his role in Avengers: Doomsday in 2026 and says he’s open to returning for future solo Thor films, but only if they carry deeper purpose. “It’s in the quieter moments that I make the best decisions,” he said—a truth his genetic discovery has only made clearer.