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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Scarlett O'Toole

Chris Hemsworth, 39, 'slowing down' his acting career amid Alzheimer's risk

Chris Hemsworth "doesn't plan to take on many roles" after discovering he is genetically predisposed to Alzheimer's disease.

The 39-year-old Marvel star is thought to be "slowing down" his career, but has insisted he is "not talking about retiring by any means".

Chris is "eight to 10 times more likely" to battle the progressive disease than the general population as he is one of only two to three percent of people globally who have two copies of the gene APOE4.

The Hollywood actor currently has four upcoming projects, including starring as Thor in an upcoming Avengers sequel and an untitled Hulk Hogan biopic.

However, a source close to the star has said he will be reducing his workload in the future.

Chris Hemsworth is at a higher risk of developing Alzhimer's (Getty Images)
He's thought to be taking on less roles (Getty Images for Disney)

"He doesn't plan to take on many roles because of [learning about his high risk for] Alzheimer's," an insider told Page Six.

While Chris has previously said he is not planning to retire, the source told the publication that "it looks a whole lot like he's heading in that direction."

The actor discovered he is at high risk of Alzheimer's while filming his National Geographic and Disney+ docuseries, Limitless.

Speaking about the episode, he told Vanity Fair it's now important he takes a break to be with his loved ones.

The actor wants to spend more time with his family (Elsa Pataky/Instagram)
Chris has been married to Elsa Pataky since 2010 (Elsa Pataky/Instagram)

He said: "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. And then you start talking about kids and family."

Chris went on to explain how doing the show "really triggered something in me", prompting him to take an unforced break from the limelight.

He said he has scheduled "a good chunk of time off" to enjoy with his wife Elsa Pataky and their three kids, India, 10, and twins Sasha and Tristan, eight.

It is possible for Chris to take steps to reduce his risk of developing Alzheimer's, including ensuring he has a good night's sleep, cutting back on alcohol consumption, and not smoking.

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