Chris Hemsworth has revealed that he carries a genetic risk for Alzheimer’s. Learn all there is to know about this condition, including its causes and symptoms, right here
Chris Hemsworth recently disclosed that he is genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease. The startling news was revealed in an interview with Vanity Fair. Hemsworth claimed to have first discovered he is genetically vulnerable to the illness while undergoing a battery of genetic tests for the production of a new docuseries that will be available on Disney Plus.
The Thor fame claimed to have found out he possesses two copies of the APOE4 gene, which has been linked in studies to a higher chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This is not an official diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and he is not certain to contract the illness, but it is nonetheless a cause for concern. Hemsworth has also informed that after he learned about his genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease he now plans on taking some time away from acting.
What is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder which causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to die.This further leads to a decline in an individual’s ability of thinking,behavioural and social skills.It is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking ability and difficulty in carrying out even the simplest tasks.It is one of the most common types of Dementia.
Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s
Age is one of the most significant factors and the risk of this disease doubles every 5 years after you reach 65.Family history is another factor,some genes inherited from parents may contribute to a high risk of developing Alzheimer’s.Other factors include head injuries,cardiovascular diseases such as diabetes,high blood pressure, high cholesterol,untreated depression,social isolation and lifestyle.
Numerous studies show that gene APOE4 carries a protein that carries cholesterol and other types of fat in the bloodstream which leads to problems with the brain cells ability to process fats and lipids which play a key role in developing Alzheimer’s and related diseases.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s
Mental decline,difficulty in thinking and understanding, disorientation, forgetfulness, inability to do simple maths, inability to create memories, mental confusion, asking questions frequently, misplacing items, having trouble thinking the right word, confusion in evening hours, making things up, aggression, meaningless repetion of own words, wandering or getting lost, loneliness, mood swings, depression, hallucinations and loss of appetite are some of the major symptoms of the disease.