Chris Hemsworth reveals how he wants to be remembered when he dies

Chris Hemsworth reveals how he wants to be remembered when he dies after discovering he is genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s

Chris Hemsworth considers his own mortality after discovering that he is genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease.

The Australian actor, 39, recently lost his grandfather Martin to Alzheimer’s at the age of 83, speaking to British GK magazine this week about how he wants to be remembered when it’s his time to go.

Hemsworth said he was touched to hear people speak fondly of Martin at his funeral, and hopes the same will happen for him when he dies.

“My uncle specifically said ‘he is remembered as a good fellow’. And if he knew, or if someone told him that’s how he would be remembered, how incredibly proud would he feel,” the Thor star explained.

It made me think about my own life. And it wasn’t about career or anything. It was about being remembered as someone who was good and kind and contributed something of value.”

Chris Hemsworth, 39, (pictured) has revealed how he wants to be remembered when he dies after discovering he is genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s – as the ‘unemployed actor’ says he hasn’t worked in seven months

Hemsworth, who decided to take “time off” after filming a confrontational death episode for his new Disney+ docuseries Limitless, said he doesn’t care if fans remember him as a movie star when he dies.

“Everything is more important now, because of the realization that this won’t last forever,” Hemsworth later added.

As for his career, the actor insisted that he doesn’t want to leave behind a “mountain of junk” movies and will only take on projects he deems “worth his time.”

Hemsworth has not worked in seven months and sardonically referred to himself as “unemployed” in the interview.

Instead, he’s been spending quality time with his wife Elsa, 46, and three kids, daughter India, 10, and twin boys Tristan and Sasha, nine.

Hemsworth has not worked in seven months and sardonically referred to himself as

Hemsworth has not worked in seven months and sardonically referred to himself as “unemployed” in the interview. Instead, he has been spending quality time with his wife Elsa, 46, and three children, daughter India, 10, and twin brothers Tristan and Sasha, nine. All pictured

The Hollywood superstar discovered he is genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease last year while filming Limitless, a docuseries in which he tested his body’s endurance in a variety of situations.

After having blood tests done for the program, he was told he is “eight to 10 times” more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than the general population because he is one of only two to three percent of people is with two copies of the APOE4 gene.

There are steps people in his position can take to reduce their level of risk, such as making sure they get a good night’s sleep, limiting their alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking.

Read Hemsworth's full interview in the latest issue of GQ UK magazine

Read Hemsworth’s full interview in the latest issue of GQ UK magazine

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain in which the buildup of abnormal proteins causes nerve cells to die.

This disrupts the transmitters that transmit messages and causes the brain to shrink.

WHAT IS HAPPENING?

As brain cells die, the functions they provide are lost. This includes memory, orientation, and the ability to think and reason.

The progression of the disease is slow and gradual. Patients live an average of five to seven years after diagnosis, but some may live another ten to fifteen years.

EARLY SYMPTOMS:

  • Loss of short-term memory
  • disorientation
  • Behavioral changes
  • Mood swings
  • Difficulty handling money or making phone calls

LATER SYMPTOMS:

  • Severe memory loss, forgetting close relatives, familiar objects or places
  • Becoming anxious and frustrated with the inability to understand the world, leading to aggressive behavior
  • Eventually lose the ability to walk
  • May have problems with eating
  • The majority will eventually need 24-hour care

Source: Alzheimer’s Association