What is the dementia gene found in ‘Thor’ body?

It has been revealed that Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth, famous for Marvel’s ‘Thor’, has a gene that predisposes to Alzheimer’s disease. The dementia gene that Hemsworth is said to have is ‘ApoE4’ (Apoi 4).

According to the Central Dementia Center of the Ministry of Health and Welfare on the 26th, the estimated number of dementia patients aged 65 or older nationwide is regarding 840,192 in 2020. It is expected to steadily increase and reach 1,360,864 in 2030, 2,173,089 in 2040, and 3,023,404 in 2050.

Chris Hemsworth. © AFP=News1

Dementia is a symptom of cognitive impairment that prevents people from performing their daily activities. There are many diseases that can cause dementia. Among them, Alzheimer’s is considered the biggest cause of dementia. ApoE4 is a representative gene that causes Alzheimer’s.

In Korea, people with cognitive decline are usually screened through a screening test, and then the cause of dementia is identified for those with symptoms. The cause of dementia can be determined by various methods such as CT and MRI. Among the causes of dementia, there is also a blood test to check the presence of ApoE4.

ApoE is an allelic gene that helps restore nerves in the central nervous system. Each person receives 1 ApoE each from their father and mother. ApoE includes ApoE2, ApoE3, and ApoE4 in detail.

Therefore, everyone has a pair of ApoE genes, and there are six combinations. ApoE3/ApoE3 combination holders are the most at over 60%.

Lee Chan-nyeong, a professor at Korea University Anam Hospital, explained, “ApoE3 is a normal gene that most people have, and ApoE2 is a resistance factor that reduces Alzheimer’s disease.”

The problem is the ApoE4 gene. The proportion of people with the ApoE4/ApoE4 combination is known to be regarding 5%. About 20% of people have one copy of ApoE4, and a quarter of the population has more than one copy of the ApoE4 gene.

If one ApoE4 is present, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s dementia is 2 to 3 times higher than that of ApoE3/ApoE3 carriers. If you have both, it will increase significantly to regarding 15 times compared to ApoE3/ApoE3. Hemsworth has two of these genes.

Professor Lee said, “When two ApoE4s are present, it is estimated that more than 90% of people over the age of 65 will develop Alzheimer’s before death.”

Of course, not everyone with the ApoE4 gene will develop Alzheimer’s disease. Many Alzheimer’s patients do not have the ApoE4 gene.

In Korea, the presence of ApoE4 can be confirmed only with a blood test.

ApoE4 blood tests are available not only at general hospitals but also at the clinic level. The cost varies depending on the size of the hospital, but it can be tested for around 100,000 won.

However, even if ApoE4 has been identified, there is no suitable treatment yet. Instead, efforts to prevent Alzheimer’s disease to some extent by correcting lifestyle are recommended.

Professor Lee advised, “A lot of physical activity and games that improve cognitive abilities can be helpful,” and “you can live a comprehensive well-being life while eating nutritious food.”

“Even if ApoE4 is found in blood tests, you can reduce risk factors in your daily life while waiting for new medical technologies to come out,” he said.

Hemsworth underwent genetic testing while filming a National Geographic documentary. He decided to try to prevent dementia by taking a break from activities and spending more time with his family.

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On the other hand, overseas research results were announced in May 2020 that those with the ApoE4 gene have a twice as high risk of COVID-19 infection compared to those without it.

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