Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth has decided to pause his acting career due to the possibility of developing Alzheimer’s. The 39-year-old actor learned during the filming of his docuseries “Limitless” that his genes heavily influence his propensity to develop the degenerative condition, making him eight to ten times more likely than the typical individual to do so.
He undertook a battery of genetic testing after meeting doctor Dr. Peter Attia and learned that his DNA has two copies of the APOE4 gene. Sets from both his father and mother.
Uninitiated individuals should be aware that the APOE4 gene has a substantial association with the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. And a study found that inheriting a single copy of APOE4 increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by around threefold while getting two copies increases the risk by roughly 8 to 12 fold.
You can choose genetic testing for AD to see whether you carry this gene in your DNA
There are several genes connected to the progressive neurodegenerative condition, the most prevalent form of dementia, according to several studies. While risk genes raise your chance of contracting the illness. Even though they are uncommon, deterministic genes make the disease inevitable.
The Apolipoprotein E (APOE) risk gene, which has three main variants, is the most prevalent gene linked to late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. APOE e2 has the lowest frequency and lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s. The second variant, APOE e4, raises the risk of Alzheimer’s and is linked to developing the condition earlier in life. APOE e3 is the third and last version, and it doesn’t appear to have an impact on Alzheimer’s risk.
But keep in mind that not everyone with one, or even two, APOE4 genes, gets Alzheimer’s. And those without the APOE4 gene are equally susceptible to the disease. In addition to hereditary and environmental variables, the progressive neurologic condition is also influenced by other factors.
You can choose genetic testing for AD to see whether you carry this gene in your DNA. Doctors may determine a person’s APOE alleles with just one blood test. But you must keep in mind that the results cannot tell who will or won’t get the condition. We advise you to consider the emotional repercussions of knowing this information before being tested. Additionally, the outcomes may have an impact on your ability to obtain long-term care, disability, and life insurance.
