Chris Hemsworth, Who Feared Alzheimer’s Greatly, Shares About His Father Craig’s Diagnosis With The Condition

Chris Hemsworth has long been open about his fear of Alzheimer’s, and it’s not just a vague concern. The Thor actor has been living with fear because genetics have put him at a higher risk as he carries two copies of the APOE-ε4 gene. It significantly increases his genetic risk for the disease. Now his worst fear has some real-life resonance: his father, Craig Hemsworth, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. This personal revelation has sparked a deeply emotional journey for the actor and his family, one that he’s now sharing publicly.

Craig Hemsworth’s Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

 

 

 

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Craig Hemsworth started showing symptoms of memory loss and difficulties related to Alzheimer’s. After medical tests, doctors confirmed the diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer’s. To cope, Chris recently took his father on a special road trip across Australia, revisiting meaningful places from their past. This journey is captured in the documentary A Road Trip to Remember, which showcases the power of social connections in helping those with Alzheimer’s maintain brain health. 

Chris says, “This is about connection, exploring how social bonds can protect brain health and fight dementia.” The trip provided moments of healing and precious memories for both father and son. Craig has said in the film: “Some days, things are quite clear … and then some days it’s not so clear.” The Thor actor also shared one of his father’s biggest fears: “Being a burden … being reliant on other people to make decisions for me.”

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How Chris Hemsworth Was Is The Risk of Alzheimer’s

Hemsworth first learned of his elevated Alzheimer’s risk while filming his National Geographic docuseries Limitless. Genetic testing revealed he had two copies of the APOE-ε4 gene, one inherited from his mother and one from his father. 

According to experts, this places him around eight to ten times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s compared to someone without the same gene profile. But Chris has repeatedly stressed that having the gene does not mean he has the disease. 

He once shared in an interview that his test results helped him slow down, refocus on his health, and spend more time with his family but he was also frustrated by sensational headlines suggesting he was retiring because of Alzheimer’s.

The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights how Alzheimer’s disease remains the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60–70% of all cases worldwide. The WHO notes that Alzheimer’s develops from a mix of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors, and while age is the strongest risk factor, genes such as APOE-ε4 can increase susceptibility. The study also points out that modifiable factors, including physical inactivity, poor diet, smoking, and unmanaged cardiovascular risks may contribute to cognitive decline.

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Conclusion

For Chris Hemsworth, Alzheimer’s has always been more than a distant fear as it’s embedded in his family’s DNA. But instead of turning away, he’s taken action. With his father Craig’s diagnosis, he’s channelled his concern into connection, creativity, and conversation. Their road trip is more than a film as it’s a powerful reminder that memory is precious, and that love and presence may be some of the strongest defenses we have.