Here’s something you might not know about Thor: he carries two copies of a gene that significantly increases his risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The revelation came while he was filming his National Geographic series Limitless, and it was enough to make him hit pause on his bustling acting career to prioritize his health and family time.

Chris Hemsworth | Credits: Gage Skidmore, Cc By-sa 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This discovery of carrying the APOE4 gene wasn’t just another Hollywood headline – it sparked a crucial conversation about genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease and what it means for both carriers and their families. Let’s dive into what this gene actually is, and why it’s got everyone talking about brain health.

Understanding the APOE4 gene and its connection to Alzheimer’s Pet Scans | Credits: Health and Human Services Department, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging,...