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Dr Christophe de Jaeger (Longevity and geriatrics)
Australian actor known for his performances in the Thor film saga, Chris Hemsworth has passed a blood test for filming purposes. This is how he learned that he was particularly predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease with a risk multiplied by 10. How is this test carried out? What does this mean for Chris Hemsworth? Explanations from Dr. Christophe de Jaeger, physiologist and member of the Doctissimo expert committee.
It is in the columns of Vanity Fair magazine that Chris Hemsworth explains his decision to put his career on hold. “Doing an episode about death, dealing with your own mortality got me thinking. Oh my God, I’m not ready to go yet…I want to sit down and live in this world with a greater sense of calm and gratitude. It really triggered something in me and I want to take some time off. I decided to take a long leave and just simplify my life. To be with my children. To be with my wife…“.
For the purposes of filming, the Australian actor passed tests, which revealed to him a strong predisposition to certain pathologies, including Alzheimer’s disease. This is why Chris Hemsworth announces that he is starting a period of leave, with his family, in order to be able to take a step back.
What are these predictive tests?
“This is a blood test, easy to perform because it requires a simple blood test, which measures a protein in the blood, apolipoprotein E. This protein is produced by the liver but also by the brain. There are different versions: APOE1, APOE2, APOE3 and APOE4. The presence of APOE4 in the blood predisposes to an increased risk for certain diseases and health characteristics. There is a decrease in longevity, an increase in cholesterol in the blood, an increase in the prevalence of diseases such as Alzheimer’s or certain cardiovascular pathologies.“explains Dr. Christophe de Jaeger, physiologist and member of the Doctissimo expert committee.
“The risk increases further if one carries both alleles of the gene which codes for this protein and this seems to be the case for Chris Hemsworth. He therefore has up to 15 times more risk of developing these pathologies compared to an average person.“.
These tests are categorized as genetic testing. “It all depends on the country, but in France, this type of test is very supervised. This is done on medical prescription, you need good reasons to do it because it can turn your life upside down. Moreover, the results of this type of test are only returned to the doctor alone, it is he who must then communicate them to his patient.“adds Christophe de Jaeger.
What should people who carry these types of alleles do?
For the specialist, people who are thus more exposed to a genetic risk of developing certain diseases earlier in their lives must take their health into their own hands. “They must avoid excesses, not smoke, play sports, take care of their lifestyle… They need closer medical monitoring. However, the exact mechanism that explains the occurrence of this or that disease remains unknown: the genes are subject to epigenetics. This means that the environment influences their action or non-action” concludes Dr. de Jaeger.
By acting on their lifestyle, these people can reduce the risk of developing these diseases. They can also benefit from more frequent monitoring/screening and therefore from more effective early treatment.