Chris Hemsworth has been open about learning that he carries a rare genetic variant that has made him eight to 10 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
The 43-year-old Australian actor revealed that he found out about his rare condition while filming his National Geographic docuseries limitless with Chris Hemsworth back in 2022.
Genetic testing revealed that the Thor star carries two copies of the APOE4 variant, one inherited from each parents.
What is APOE4 gene variant?
The APOE, or apolipoprotein E, is a gene that provides instructions for making a protein that merges with fats (lipids) to form lipoprotein molecules, which carry cholesterol and other fats through the bloodstream.
All human beings inherit one copy of APOE gene from each of their biological parents.
Types of APOE gene
There are three types of APOE gene
APOE-ε2 (APOE2) – The rarest form; it may lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
APOE-ε3 (APOE3). – The most common form; it is considered neutral and does not affect Alzheimer’s risk.
APOE-ε4 (APOE4) – A major risk-factor variant; carrying one or two copies increases the risk for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular issues.
Every human inherently receives a combination of any of these two APOE genes, which may increase or decrease their risk to certain health conditions by affecting their body’s ability to move cholesterol and other fats through bloodstream.
Which APOE gene is responsible for Alzheimer’s disease?
While no gene has been found to directly cause Alzheimer’s disease, having at least one copy of APOE4 gene increases the risk of developing the disease.
However, if a person inherits two copies of APOE4 gene, their vulnerability to developing Alzheimer’s increases eight to 10 times, which is the case for Chris Hemsworth, making him more likely to develop the disease.
Is there any cure for APOE4?
There is currently no cure for the APOE4 gene, but active clinical research is exploring gene therapies and targeted treatments to neutralize its risks.
