Chris Hemsworth learns he has genetic predisposition for Alzheimer's in 'Limitless' docuseries

Chris Hemsworth found out he has a genetic predisposition to the Alzheimer's disease while working on National Geographic's "Limitless," a docuseries that explores the secrets of longevity.

In episode five of the show, Chris was told he is eight to 10 times more likely to develop Alzheimer's in the future due to two copies of the gene APOE4 in his DNA. APOE4 has been linked to increased risk of Alzheimer's.

In an exclusive interview with Vanity Fair, Chris opened up on dealing with that knowledge.

"There was an intensity to navigating it. Most of us, we like to avoid speaking about death in the hope that we'll somehow avoid it. We all have this belief that we'll figure it out," he said.

"Then to all of a sudden be told some big indicators are actually pointing to this as the route which is going to happen, the reality of it sinks in. Your own mortality."

The 39-year-old actor said he did not find the revelation a big surprise, as his own grandfather has Alzheimer's.

However, doing "Limitless" led him to ponder more about living life to the fullest and taking better care of his health.

"It really triggered something in me to want to take some time off. And since we finished the show, I've been completing the things I was already contracted to do," he said.

"Now 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."

—MGP, GMA Integrated News