Chris Hemsworth says he’s making some lifestyle changes after a genetic test revealed he has a higher-than-average risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The 40-year-old “Thor” actor said he’s been changing his diet and workout routines, but has also focused on searching for inner peace.
“Now, I’m incorporating more solitude into my life,” Hemsworth told Men’s Health during an interview published October 3. “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’s also been incorporating other practices. “I do a lot of meditation and breath work mostly during sauna and ice bath routines,” the Australian actor continued. “For me, my favorite mindfulness work comes from the immersion in physical activities that allow me to be fully present and force me out of me head and into my body, in particular surfing.”
“I have a more consistent approach to my sleep,” Hemsworth continued. “Try to stay off screens an hour before bed and read most nights definitely helps. In addition, focusing on not being attached to every thought and be the observer to the noise when possible, just stepping back from the internal chatter.”
The “Avengers: Endgame” actor has two copies of the gene APOE4, which makes him “eight to 10 times more likely” to develop Alzheimer’s in the future, as The Daily Wire previously reported. He’s part of an estimated 2-3% of the population carrying a copy of the gene from both parents. Alzheimer’s is a progressive type of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior.
Hemsworth said the diagnosis has made him think about his current life more deeply and inspired him to do more “outdoorsy and adventurous” things with his wife and three kids.
“Doing an episode on death and facing your own mortality made me go, ‘Oh God, I’m not ready to go yet.’ I want to sit and be in this space with a greater sense of stillness and gratitude,” Hemsworth said after finding out the news.
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“And then you start talking about kids and family and going, ‘Oh my God, they’re getting older, they’re growing up and I keep slapping another movie on top of another movie.’ Before you know it, they’re 18 and they’ve moved out of house, and I missed the window.”