Chris Hemsworth taking a break after discovering Alzheimer’s link

In a recent episode of his National Geographic show Limitless, Chris Hemsworth revealed that he could be predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease, as he holds two copies of a gene linked to it. As such, he has announced he will be taking a break from acting.

“It really triggered something in me to want to take some time off,” said Hemsworth. “When I finish this tour this week, I’m going home and I’m going to have a good chunk of time off and just simplify. Be with the kids, be with my wife.” That said, Hemsworth did give fans a sign of hope, saying, “I’m not talking about retiring by any means.”

In the fifth episode, it was shown that Chris Hemsworth is eight to 10 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, which, according to the Mayo Clinic, is “a progressive neurologic disorder that causes the brain to shrink…and brain cells to die” and presents “a continuous decline in thinking, behavioral and social skills that affects a person’s ability to function independently.” His grandfather currently has the disease.

Still, Chris Hemsworth remains optimistic, saying, “It’s not like I’ve been handed my resignation.” However, things may not be so hopeful for Thor and his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In the same interview, Hemsworth expressed that Thor may very well be towards the end. “I feel like it’d probably be the finale…You have this birth of a hero, the journey of a hero, then the death of a hero, and I don’t know—am I at that stage? Who knows?”

In the meantime, Chris Hemsworth does have a small selection of movies on the docket: the action sequel Extraction 2 and the Mad Max: Fury Road prequel Furiosa.

We wish Chris Hemsworth the best. Send your positive vibes to Hemsworth below!