Chris Hemsworth hasn't discussed his genetic risk of Alzheimer's with his children.
Chris Hemsworth underwent genetic testing
The 'Thor' actor discovered through testing on his 'Limitless' docuseries that his chances of developing the degenerative condition are eight to 10 times higher than average because he has two copies of the APOE4 gene, and though his grandfather Martin died of the disease and his dad Craig, 68, is showing early signs, he hasn't broached the subject with his and wife Elsa Pataky's kids India, 12, and 10-year-old twins Sasha and Tristan.
He told Sunday Times Culture magazine: “No, I don’t discuss it with my kids — I don’t think it would mean much to them at this point.
“I don’t think they’d care!”
The 40-year-old star is taking steps to look after his brain health now as he doesn't want to leave it too late.
He said: “Well, it’s in our family. But watching my grandfather go through it, and seeing my dad? Well, that is more of a reminder [than the gene].
"But it’s a couple of decades away, hopefully, before it’s a problem. And for it not to be a problem relies on the work I do now. There’s no point waiting until 60 to look at preventative steps to ensure cognitive decline doesn’t hit me.
“I can’t just wait until later in life and then say, ‘Let’s now get on top of brain health.’ "
Chris admitted he has always been prone to overthinking, which has led to feelings of anxiety, but his mother Leonie used to help keep him distracted from a young age.
He said: “She would say I was letting something consume me. The danger for me is if I’m bored or become stagnant. Then I’ll find problems that aren’t there.
"I wouldn’t [call it depression]. I have anxiety that I have to quickly figure out how to appease — like everybody I face these emotions screaming for attention, so it’s about keeping them balanced to stop me falling into problematic emotional states. Mum was always very good, when I was growing up, at reminding me of that.”
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