Actor Chris Hemsworth said learning he carries a gene combination that puts him at significantly higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease has led to a major shift in his outlook on life.

Hemsworth, 41, shared the revelation in an interview with Sky News, explaining that results from genetic testing during the filming of Limitless: Live Better Now revealed he is eight to 10 times more likely than the general population to develop the disease.

The test showed he carries two copies of the APOE4 gene, a variant strongly associated with Alzheimer’s.

41 years old with Alzheimers

‘Hemsworth’s update comes after speculations swirled that he had already developed Alzheimer’s and was headed to an early retirement from his acting career’

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According to research, about one in 50 people inherit two APOE4 copies, and nearly all show early signs of Alzheimer’s by age 55. The disease is the most common cause of dementia, affecting millions worldwide.

Hemsworth said the discovery was a turning point in his personal and professional life.

“It was just kind of this point in my life where up until your 40s, you’re kind of gathering data and information and it’s all reactionary and then you get to a point where you think, oh some of this sort of identity that I’ve sort of built doesn’t hold true anymore.”

He added that the test results caused him to reconsider his priorities.

“There’s some inner sort of protest or inner voice that has a deeper need to understand and there’s deeper questions and what is the purpose and the why behind what I’m doing … and what am I seeking, what am I contributing, as opposed to just what I am collecting.”

‘The identity I’ve built doesn’t hold true anymore’

Actor Chris Hemsworth has spoken to @Debbie_Ridgard about his experience filming ‘Limitless’ with Disney and Nat Geo and discovering his increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.https://t.co/8ZUZeAL3eC pic.twitter.com/KcLLAHNAn4

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Doctors stress that everyone’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s varies and lifestyle factors play a role.

Evidence suggests habits such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, monitoring cholesterol and blood pressure, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use can reduce risks.

Hemsworth said the genetic discovery motivated him to make changes focused on longevity and spending more time with family and friends. That outlook shaped the second season of Limitless, where he took on a more active role in planning episodes.

“This time around, I was very involved in the orchestration and the sort of production and bringing together spaces that I was interested in or there was a deep curiosity or were deeply personal to me,” Hemsworth said.

“And it was more sort of experiential journalism as opposed to a contestant in a challenging kind of fun, reality show.”

He added that the new season felt different because he came in with greater preparation.

“I was much more committed or invested in the experience. And I was a bit more educated on the topics too. I had to research, I had a deeper point of view, I suppose, personally, but also sort of the education I was given prior and I enjoyed that more, to be honest.”

The new season of Limitless: Live Better Now continues to explore ways to strengthen body and brain health, ranging from endurance challenges to learning new skills such as playing an instrument.