Chris Hemsworth shares insights on his father's challenging battle with Alzheimer's disease

In a surprising turn of events, Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth faces a challenge unlike any other – his father's battle with Alzheimer's disease. Known for his physical prowess on screen, Hemsworth now confronts the emotional and mental toll of a loved one's illness.

Opening up about this personal struggle in a revealing documentary, the actor sheds light on the profound impact of Alzheimer's on his family. Join Hemsworth on a poignant journey as he navigates the complexities of caregiving and cherishes memories with his father amidst the shadows of this relentless disease.

Chris Hemsworth's Emotional Journey with Father's Alzheimer's

Despite his experience with physical challenges in his acting career, Chris Hemsworth found himself facing an entirely different kind of battle when his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

The news came as a shock, throwing the actor into uncharted territory as he grappled with the emotional and mental impact of the illness on his family.

Understanding Alzheimer's Impact

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, renowned neurosurgeon and medical correspondent, emphasizes the profound emotional toll that Alzheimer's disease takes not only on patients but also on their families. Family members often experience anticipatory grief, which can lead to stress and emotional exhaustion. Dr. Gupta suggests that open communication within families is crucial. He recommends forming support networks and seeking counseling to help cope with the challenges of caregiving.

Additionally, caregivers should prioritize self-care, as neglecting their own mental health can lead to burnout and decreased ability to provide quality care.

Chris Hemsworth Opens Up About Father's Health Battle

Opening up about the devastating diagnosis in Chris Hemsworth: A Road Trip to Remember, which dropped on Disney+ and Hulu on November 24, 2025, Chris lifted the lid on his father’s health battle and how the pair are learning to cope with it.

In the series, which is produced in collaboration with National Geographic, Chris and his dad Craig set off on a road trip across Australia in the hopes of forming a kind of reminiscence therapy.

Chris Hemsworth Opens Up About Father's Alzheimer's Battle

At the start of the series the Thor actor revealed that Craig has ‘early-stage Alzheimer’s’ and the symptoms started in the ‘last two years.’

“It’s so easy to take our parents for granted,” began Chris in a particularly candid moment. “I feel I’ve been so busy I haven’t spent as much time with my dad as I would want to … and there was the diagnosis.

Navigating Early-Stage Alzheimer’s: Good Days and Bad Days

“He has early-stage Alzheimer’s and there’s definitely good days and bad days.”

Although the actual date of the diagnosis remains a mystery, Chris himself has previously expressed his concerns over developing the condition in the future after he was discovered to possess two copies of the APOE4 gene.

Genetic Factors in Early-Onset Condition

While the genes aren’t solely responsible for the development of the condition, people in possession of both copies have a significantly higher risk of developing the condition at an earlier age.

For the purposes of the documentary, Chris and Craig would be revisiting parts of Australia that hold a special significance for the Hemsworth family, including a former childhood home.

Father-Son Road Trip: Fighting Disease Together

“I wanna do everything I can to help him so my dad and I are going on a road trip. It’s something we’ve been talking about for years,” Chris recalled.

It was hoped that the trip could form a key part of reminiscence therapy for Craig, a therapeutic activity that encourages individuals, especially those with dementia, to talk about past experiences, memories, and life events using prompts that appeal to all senses.

Strengthening Memory Through Revisiting Long-Term Memories

The goal is to improve mood, boost self-esteem, reduce loneliness, and enhance cognitive function by connecting with long-term memories

“My road trip with my dad is going to be a trip back into our past to exercise his memory in order to strengthen it,” Chris said in a voice-over.

Navigating Challenges of Parental Memory Loss

This is particularly crucial, as Chris explained that sometimes his father appeared to forget how to do things he previously knew inside out.

Chris said: “It’s confronting and [a] really tough thing to navigate because it’s something about his personality that is … It’s not a stubbornness but there’s a route of how he does things.

Navigating Memory Lapses: A Son's Heartbreaking Realization

“I’m not sure if he’s forgetting this or is he insisting on doing it this way. Or is this a symptom?

The memory lapses even played out on screen, as Chris shared the ‘painful’ reality of watching his father suddenly forget where he was and who he was talking to – after reconnecting with an old friend.

Emotional Impact on Chris' Mom Amid Diagnosis

The diagnosis has also taken a huge toll on Chris’ mom, Leonie, who emotionally revealed: “As a partner, it’s difficult because I want him to be the person that he was.”

“I want that relationship. Sometimes I wake up in the middle [of the] night and it’s quite terrifying where it’s all going,” she tearfully admitted.

Craig's Fear of Becoming a Burden

And it was a fear shared by Craig himself, who heartbreakingly confessed to Chris that he was terrified of becoming a ‘burden’ and losing contact with the people he loves.

Thankfully, Chris was able to put his fears to rest and assured his dad that he wasn’t and would never become a burden, with the pair poignantly sharing ‘I love yous’ at the end of the trip.

Alarming Rise in Alzheimer's and Dementia Cases

It is approximated that more than six million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's disease, which is the most common type of dementia.

More than 55 million people have dementia worldwide and this number is expected to ‘almost double’ every 20 years, reaching 78 million in 2030 and 139 million in 2050, according to Alzheimer’s Disease International.

In addressing the challenges faced by families dealing with Alzheimer's, Dr. Leana Wen, a public health expert, advocates for the importance of education about the disease. Understanding Alzheimer's can empower families to make informed decisions and enhance communication. Dr. Wen highlights that family members should engage in activities that stimulate cognitive function for those affected, such as puzzles or memory games, which can also strengthen emotional bonds.

Furthermore, she stresses the value of seeking out community resources, such as local support groups, which can provide much-needed emotional support and practical advice.

Building Healthier Patterns

As Chris Hemsworth shares his family's journey with Alzheimer's, it's essential to understand the broader implications of this disease. Experts like Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Dr. Leana Wen highlight the importance of education, support, and self-care for caregivers. Such strategies not only improve the quality of life for those affected but also foster resilience within families. Resources such as support groups and counseling can make a significant difference in navigating this challenging experience. Ultimately, the combined efforts of education and community support can help alleviate the emotional burden of Alzheimer's.