Actor Chris Hemsworth has said that he may be at increased risk of developing Alzheimer's. The shocking revelation was made during an interview with Vanity Fair. Mr Hemsworth said he came to know that he is genetically predisposed towards the disease while undergoing routine tests during the filming of a new docuseries, which will stream on Disney Plus. The 39-year-old Australian actor rose to prominence after playing Kim Hyde in the television series Home and Away before beginning a film career in Hollywood.
The 'Thor' actor said he discovered he carries two copies of the gene APOE4, which studies have linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. He, however, emphasised that it is not a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, and neither does it mean he will definitely develop the disease but it is a cause for concern.
"It's like one in a thousand people... or one in 10,000. I can't remember. But eight to 10 times more likely," he told Vanity Fair, jokingly adding, "Since you told me that, I feel like my memory's getting worse. It's a placebo effect-or it's taking place."
"My concern was I just didn't want to manipulate it and overdramatise it, and make it into some sort of hokey grab at empathy, or whatever, for entertainment. It's not like I've been handed my resignation," he added.
Mr Hemsworth also said that the diagnosis did not come as a surprise since his grandfather has Alzheimer's.
The actor said the news forced him to face the reality of his own mortality. "Most of us, we like to avoid speaking about death. Then to all of a sudden be told some big indicators are actually pointing to this as the route which is going to happen, the reality of it sinks in. Your own mortality," he said.
Mr Hemsworth's portrayal of the 'God of Thunder' in Marvel Studios movies brought him global success. He is married to actress Elsa Pataky and they have three children.