Chris Hemsworth’s reported result of two APOE ε4 copies means he may have a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease—not that he is certain to develop it. In a 2022 CBS News report about Limitless with Chris Hemsworth, he spoke about fearing memory loss and about the perspective the result gave him. His candor is worth hearing, but the available reporting does not support calling him the only man in Hollywood to deserve applause.
What did Chris Hemsworth say about Alzheimer’s?
CBS News reported on November 18, 2022, that Hemsworth underwent genetic testing during an episode of Limitless with Chris Hemsworth. The outlet reported that the test showed two copies of APOE ε4. That is reporting about a segment of the show, not an independently reviewed medical record.
In the fifth episode, as quoted by CBS News, Hemsworth said: “The idea that I won’t be able to remember the life I’ve experienced or my wife, my kids, this is probably my biggest fear.” CBS also reported that his grandfather had Alzheimer’s and that Hemsworth reflected on mortality, gratitude, and living in the present. Those are his personal reactions, not medical advice.
He also said, “It’s not like I’ve been handed my resignation.” The remark captures an important distinction: a genetic risk result is not a diagnosis or a timetable.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match#1 Best Overall
- TOP-SELLING CONSUMER DNA TEST: From your origins in over 3,600 places around the world to the most connections to living relatives, no other DNA test kit delivers an experience as unique and interactive as AncestryDNA.
- YOUR DATA, YOUR CONTROL: We give you full control over your genetic information. You decide what to share, and with whom.
- A FEW SIMPLE STEPS: Simply activate your DNA kit online and return your saliva sample in the prepaid package to our state-of-the-art lab. Your results will be available online in roughly six weeks.
- ORIGINS AND INHERITANCE: AncestryDNA provides more precise ancestral origins with greater geographic detail. Our innovative SideView technology takes your results even further by showing your origins and matches by parental side. *Some DNA features require an Ancestry subscription.
- BUILD YOUR FAMILY TREE: Combine what you learn from your DNA results with an Ancestry subscription and gain access to millions of family trees and the world's largest collection of online family history records. *Access to record collections varies depending on subscription level.
What does APOE ε4 mean?
APOE is a gene involved in Alzheimer’s risk. The ε4 variant is a risk gene: having one or two copies is associated with a higher chance of developing Alzheimer’s, but does not make the disease inevitable. The Alzheimer’s Association notes that the association varies across populations, so a population-level estimate cannot predict an individual’s outcome.
The Association estimates that 20–30% of people in the United States have one or two APOE ε4 copies, and about 2% have two. These are U.S. population figures from a page accessed in 2026; the page’s publication date was not stated. They describe how common the variants are, not how many carriers will develop Alzheimer’s.
Rank #2
- TOP-SELLING CONSUMER DNA TEST: From your origins in over 3,600+ places around the world to the most connections to living relatives, no other DNA test kit delivers an experience as unique and interactive as AncestryDNA.
- YOUR DATA, YOUR CONTROL: We give you full control over your genetic information. You decide what to share, and with whom.
- DNA + TRAITS: Ever wondered where your freckles came from, or why you hate cilantro? AncestryDNA + Traits lets you discover 75+ genetic traits, allowing you to explore how your genes might have influenced a range of appearance, sensory, performance, nutrient, and other personal characteristics.
- A FEW SIMPLE STEPS: Simply activate your DNA kit online and return your saliva sample in the prepaid package to our state-of-the-art lab. Your results will be available online in roughly six weeks.
- ORIGINS AND INHERITANCE: AncestryDNA is the only DNA test that can show your origins results, DNA matches, and traits by each side of the family, without your parents taking a DNA test.
Does having two APOE ε4 copies mean you will get Alzheimer’s?
No. Two copies are associated with higher risk than one, but they do not establish that a person will develop the disease. Hemsworth’s reported result should therefore be understood as a risk finding, not a diagnosis or a prediction of what will happen to him.
APOE ε4 is also different from a rare deterministic gene mutation. The Alzheimer’s Association says deterministic genes can virtually guarantee the disorder in people who inherit them, but estimates that such genes account for 1% or less of Alzheimer’s cases. That rare familial category should not be confused with APOE ε4.
Rank #3
- Discover your ancestry and find relatives you never knew existed on both your maternal and paternal sides.
- Get a detailed ethnicity breakdown with the most comprehensive list of ethnicities in the industry: 42 regions, including 7 East Asian regions.
- Simple DNA test kit with a cheek swab - takes only 2 minutes to complete.
- Huge global database enables you to get worldwide DNA Matches.
- Affordable price - includes access to test results. Uses the highest technological standards.
Can a DNA test predict Alzheimer’s?
A consumer genetic test may estimate risk, but it cannot give a certain yes-or-no answer about whether someone will develop Alzheimer’s. MedlinePlus Genetics, from the U.S. National Library of Medicine, explains that risk reflects multiple genes and lifestyle factors. The Alzheimer’s Association recommends discussing testing before ordering it and when results arrive, ideally with a doctor or genetic counselor.
That conversation matters because results can cause anxiety and may affect relatives who share family history. The Association also advises considering possible insurance implications. A genetic result is best interpreted with professional guidance rather than treated as a standalone forecast.
Rank #4
- MAP YOUR ORIGINS ACROSS 5,000+ REGIONS: Ancestry Composition breaks down your ethnicity across 5,000+ geographic regions worldwide, the most detailed ancestry breakdown of any consumer DNA service. Ancestry Timeline estimates how many generations ago your most recent ancestor from each population lived.
- FIND LIVING RELATIVES: Opt in to DNA Relatives to see up to 1,500 people in the 23andMe database who share DNA with you, from close family to distant cousins, and message them directly. Your Family Tree builds itself automatically based on your DNA.
- DISCOVER WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE: See how your DNA may influence physical features, sensory preferences, and habits across 30+ traits, including cilantro taste aversion to hair texture to deep sleep.
- TRACE ANCIENT MIGRATIONS: Maternal and Paternal Haplogroup reports follow your ancestors' migration paths across continents over thousands of years (paternal haplogroup requires a Y chromosome). Find out how much of your ancestry can be traced back to the Neanderthals.
- PRIVATE BY DESIGN: Your DNA data is encrypted, protected, and always under your control. Enhanced security measures are implemented to keep your information safe. Subject to 23andMe’s Terms of Service and Privacy Statement at 23andMe online.
Why the “only man in Hollywood” claim needs qualification
Hemsworth’s remarks were widely reportable because they joined a public conversation about a personal fear with a prominent television project. But the available sources do not establish that he is the only man in Hollywood to speak thoughtfully about Alzheimer’s, nor do they document a systematic measure of public applause. It is more accurate to describe his comments as candid and personal than to present the superlative as fact.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TOP-SELLING CONSUMER DNA TEST: From your origins in over 3,600 places around the world to the most connections to living relatives, no other DNA test kit delivers an experience as unique and interactive as AncestryDNA
- YOUR DATA, YOUR CONTROL: We give you full control over your genetic information. You decide what to share, and with whom.
- FAMILY HISTORY MEMBERSHIP: The 3-month “World Explorer” membership gives you access to billions of family history records. The membership is redeemable during the AncestryDNA activation process only by the person activating the AncestryDNA test. The person redeeming the membership may choose to convert to an auto-renewing membership by submitting valid billing information.
- BUILD YOUR FAMILY TREE: Combine what you learn from your DNA results with an Ancestry subscription and gain access to millions of family trees and the world's largest collection of online family history records.
- ORIGINS AND INHERITANCE: AncestryDNA is the only DNA test that can show your origins results, DNA matches, and traits by each side of the family, without your parents taking a DNA test.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors
