Chris Hemsworth has sobering update about how Alzheimer's discovery has affected him
Chris Hemsworth has revealed his concerns about how his Alzheimer’s discovery would impact his acting career.
In 2022, the actor - who is best known for his portrayal of Thor in the MCU - revealed he is eight to 10 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease after genetic testing revealed he had two copies of the APOE4 gene, which is associated with an increased risk of developing the disorder.
Hemsworth clarified at the time that it was not a definite that he would develop the neurological disorder but instead a 'strong indication' that he was at a higher risk.
Since learning the news, Hemsworth has sought to implement numerous positive changes in his life to minimise his risk, including reducing 'negative' stress and seeking out 'stillness'.
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However, the discovery also left him with concerns for his career, with the 42-year-old revealing in a new interview that he was worried if his Alzheimer’s risk would change how film studios viewed him.
"I wondered if I was letting people too far in," he explained to The Guardian during a promotional tour for his new project Crime 101.
"Are they no longer going to believe in the action star or the Marvel character? And do I want people to know my fears and insecurities to this level?"
Hemsworth previously revealed that his genetic predisposition to the disease hadn't come as too much of a shock, as his grandfather had been diagnosed with the condition.
Meanwhile, an update back in November saw the actor confirm that his father had also been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Reflecting on how the news changed him and his approach to his career, Hemsworth added: "My appetite for racing forward has really been reined in.
"I’ve become more aware of the fragility of things. You start thinking, ‘My dad won’t be here forever.’ And my kids are now 11 and 13. Those nights where they’d fight over sleeping in our bed – suddenly they’re not happening any more."
The Marvel star recently explored his relationship with dad Craig in a 2025 National Geographic documentary A Road Trip To Remember, which saw the father and son travel through Australia together.
"It was a love letter to my father," he told The Guardian of the experience. "It empowered him for a period, and stimulated memories that were being taken away from him."
If you've been affected by dementia or Alzheimer's and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact the Alzheimer’s Society via 0333 150 3456 or visit their website for more information.
Topics: Chris Hemsworth, Marvel, Health, Celebrity
Brenna Cooper