Chris Hemsworth is taking a break after revealing the Alzheimer’s gene

Chris Hemsworth plans to take “a good chunk of time off” after discovering he’s genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease.

The 39-year-old Marvel star recently found out in an episode of his Disney+ health documentary series Limitless that he has two copies of the APOE4 gene, which studies have linked to an increased risk of the disease.

“We dug deep into my blood work and genetics and found some clues that put me in a very high risk category for Alzheimer’s, and it was a real shock — when I first found that out,” Hemsworth said in a preview clip for “Sunday Today” of the TODAY Show.

Show host Willie Geist said once Hemsworth wraps up his current projects and contractual commitments, the actor plans to take time off to spend time with his family.

Hemsworth made similar comments in a Vanity Fair interview published Thursday. He stressed he’s not retiring and doesn’t have an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, but said working on Limitless made him think about his own mortality.

“It really made me want to take some time off,” he told the magazine. “Now when I finish this tour this week I’m going home and I’m going to have a good time off and just simplify. Being with the kids, being with my wife.”

Hemsworth said the discovery means he can start making changes and taking preventive steps in his lifestyle — and motivate others to do the same.

“I was offered a version of the episode where we didn’t talk about it,” he told Vanity Fair. “I thought, ‘No, look, if this is a motivator for people to take better care of themselves and also to understand that there are steps you can take – then awesome.'”

National Institutes of Health estimates that about 25% of people have one copy of the APOE4 gene, while only 2% to 3% have two. The gene’s presence doesn’t guarantee a future Alzheimer’s diagnosis, but the agency says it’s the “strongest risk factor gene” for the disease.

While there are no definitive steps to prevent the onset of the disease, however According to the Alzheimer’s Association Lifestyle changes such as regular activity, heart-healthy habits, and socializing could help reduce the risk.

“Limitless,” which premiered Wednesday, is a six-part series from National Geographic that explores scientific research into the human body with a focus on longevity.

Hemsworth didn’t say how long he plans to take a break. His other recent projects include the Mad Max prequel Furiosa and Netflix’s Extraction 2; deadline says Production has completed both projects.