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Would you want to know if you were at risk for Alzheimer’s—or another serious condition? Genetic testing can offer powerful insights about your health, but it also raises important questions: What do you do with the information? Can you change the outcome? And what can’t these tests tell you?
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Medically Reviewed by: Michael Duffy, DO
You may recall headlines about actor Chris Hemsworth, best known for his role as Thor in the Marvel films, who made news not for a blockbuster release—but for a very personal health discovery.
While filming the National Geographic series Limitless, Hemsworth underwent a series of cutting-edge wellness and performance tests. One of those tests revealed he carries two copies of the APOE4 gene, a genetic marker associated with a significantly increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The story sparked national conversation—not just because of his celebrity status, but because it raised an important question that many people now face:
If you had the opportunity to learn about your genetic risk for Alzheimer’s or other health conditions… would you want to know?
And if you did—what would you do with that information?
At Connected Health, we believe these are deeply personal decisions. But understanding what genetic testing can (and can’t) tell you is an important first step.
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Let’s break it down. One of the most talked-about genetic tests related to Alzheimer’s disease looks at a gene called APOE (apolipoprotein E).There are different versions (alleles) of this gene: e2, e3, and e4. If you inherit one or two copies of the e4 variant, you may be at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s later in life.
But—and this is crucial—having the gene does not mean you’ll get Alzheimer’s. In fact, many people with the APOE4 gene never develop the disease. And many people without the gene do.
Genetics is one piece of the puzzle—but it’s not the whole picture.
At Connected Health, we believe that information is powerful—but only when it's put into action. That’s why our providers walk you through what these tests really mean. If you test positive for a risk marker like APOE4, it’s not a life sentence, it’s a lifestyle call-to-action.
There’s a growing body of research that shows lifestyle changes can lower your risk, even if you have the gene. Things like:
So yes, Hemsworth might have the APOE4 gene, but he’s also doubling down on brain-healthy habits—and that’s a lesson for all of us.
That’s a personal decision—and not one to take lightly. Some people want to know everything they can. Others prefer to let the future unfold. Both choices are valid.
Genetic testing can provide insight, spark important conversations with your doctor, and help you take action now to support your long-term health. But it’s important to talk with a provider who will help you understand the context, and not just hand over a list of “what-ifs.”
Whether you’re curious about your Alzheimer’s risk, wondering if genetic testing is right for you, or just want to start living a little more brain-friendly, our team is here to help. No judgment. No overwhelm. Just expert guidance to help you understand your body and your options.
After all, you're the main character in your story, not your DNA.
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