Chris Hemsworth’s lifestyle changes after high-risk Alzheimers diagnosis: ice baths, meditation, saunas

Chris Hemsworth is, without a doubt, one of the most critically-acclaimed Hollywood actors of the present day. Thanks to hugely successful roles such as Thor, Hemsworth has turned into a household name across the US and beyond.

However, the film star has recently faced huge challenges to his way of living after being diagnosed with a high risk of developing Alzheimers disease, the most common cause of dementia: the actor found out the harrowing news while filming his latest work, Limitless, a National Geographic documentary which explores, as broadcasters Disney+ put it, “to live better for longer”, and was “kinda floored” by the hard-hitting discovery.

During the series, it is revealed to Hemsworth that his genetic composition includes two copies of the gene APOE e4, which is linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

‘Lately I’ve really felt the importance of taking time for yourself’

Now, almost a year later, Hemsworth attended an interview with Men’s Health, where he spoke about the changes he has made to his lifestyle after receiving the shocking news, as well as admitting to taking more time out to focus on his mental health. “I’ve always been pretty consistent with my exercise commitments”, he said, “but lately I’ve really felt the importance of taking time for yourself without any outside voice or stimulation and making time for stillness.”

The actor confessed to working out less, and at a less intense pace than before: “My weight fluctuates a lot due to differing roles and also my own interests in regards to challenging my body in different ways,” he said. “I’m lifting less frequently than I was and I’m incorporating more cardio and endurance workouts which I much prefer than heavy body building style sessions.”

Hemsworth also said he is betting firmly on the benefits of relaxation: “Now, I’m incorporating more solitude into my life... I do a lot of meditation and breath work mostly during sauna and ice bath routines,” he says. “For me my favourite mindfulness work comes from the immersion in physical actives that allow me to be fully present and force me out of me head and into my body, in particular surfing.”

Hemsworth ready to do ‘whatever is in my power to give myself the best fighting chance’

As well as his workout load being reduced, the Thor actor opened up on his sleeping habits, emphasising the importance of a good rest: “I have a more consistent approach to my sleep. [I] try to stay off screens an hour before bed and reading most nights definitely helps. In addition focusing on not being attached to every thought and be the observer to the noise when possible, just stepping back from the internal chatter.”

However, despite the sad nature of the revelation, Hemsworth is seeing the bright side of the situation: “It was a good kick in the arse and a reminder to do whatever is in my power to give myself the best fighting chance. Whatever work I’m doing for my brain health benefits the rest of my body—we turned it into a positive.”