Topics: News, US News, UK News, Health, Chris Hemsworth, Mental Health
Chris Hemsworth has revealed he is making adjustments to his lifestyle after being given some alarming health news.
The star of the Thor and Avengers films had been working on Limitless with Chris Hemsworth, a National Geographic series about longevity, when he found out.
During the documentary it was revealed that Hemsworth has two copies of the APOE gene, which is linked to developing Alzheimer's.
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In effect, this meant that the star is at an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's.
Hemsworth spoke about the impact this had, saying on the film: “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.”
News like that would floor anyone.
However, having an increased risk doesn't guarantee that you will develop a condition, just as not having the increased risk doesn't guarantee you won't.
What it does mean is that you should be more aware of risk factors, and try to do things which might help to mitigate the risk.
Dr Peter Attia MD is a doctor who specialises in longevity, and informed Hemsworth of his increased risk.
Dr Attia also believes that lifestyle adjustments can help to decrease the risk of developing the condition.
While Hemsworth was given the option to leave out the revelation, he chose to include it in a display of a very different kind of strength from Thor.
He said: “It was a good kick in the arse and a reminder to do whatever is in my power to give myself the best fighting chance.
“Whatever work I’m doing for my brain health benefits the rest of my body—we turned it into a positive.”
But what exactly did Dr Attia advise to help Hemsworth lower his risk? There are a few things.
Firstly, regular exercise. Gotta start with the basics folks, they do make a difference!
Continuing that theme, having a regular and healthy sleep pattern, as this helps the brain to 'sweep up' any intracellular waste that's built up.
An unexpected one, brushing your teeth and flossing. This can reduce systemic inflammation.
Another surprising one - some research suggests that having regular saunas can help to reduce risk of Alzheimer's.
Finally, hearing. Hearing is a big input into the brain, so if you're losing your hearing get hearing aids ASAP!
A bonus thing you can do to slow the onset of dementia, of which Alzheimer's is a type, is to learn another language.
While it can't prevent it entirely, studies have indicated that people who speak more than one language delay symptoms developing compared to monolingual people.
