Chris Hemsworth takes acting break due to tragic reason; Is genetic testing for Alzheimer's right for you?

Famous Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth shook his entire fan club when he revealed that he has a significantly heightened risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease because of his genetic factors. The actor underwent a series of genetic tests after which he discovered that he carries two copies of the APOE4 gene which increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

With the shocking revelation, the Thor actor has said that he is likely to take an indefinite break from his career in order to pay attention to his family and health.

During a conversation with Vanity Fair this month, the actor recalled the first time when he was informed about his health condition and said, "They took all my bloodwork and did a bunch of tests and the plan was to on-camera tell me all the results and then talk about how you can improve this and that."


"It was pretty shocking because he called me up and he told me," he later added.

However, Hemsworth soon learned that with the right lifestyle changes his condition can improve. During the interview, the actor revealed it is important for a person to keep an eye on sleep management, stress management, nutrition, movement, and fitness, as these are the factors that can help in preventing the disease from getting worse.

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one can prevent Alzheimer's by keeping themselves fit, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, managing weight, and keeping an eye on underlying health conditions including high blood pressure and high blood sugar.

Meanwhile, during a conversation with BestLife, Susan Hahn, MS, CGC, board-certified genetic counselor and Director of Medical Affairs at Quest Diagnostics said that "screening for APOE is not considered 'routine'". The doctor only recommends the test to those who have a family history of the disease.

FAQs:

1. Which gene increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease?
   The APOE4 gene increases the risk of Alzheimer's.
2. How to prevent Alzheimer's from getting worse ?
   To prevent Alzheimer's, one needs to exercise regularly, quit smoking and drinking and manage weight.