Chris Hemsworth is taking his dad on a rare road trip. In his new documentary movie, called "A Road Trip To Remember," Hemsworth is joined by his dad, Craig, with the two going on a trip in Australia that's a collection of some of Craig's biggest memories. The project is made in partnership with National Geographic and with the advice of medical experts, all with the hope of learning how to manage Craig's early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
Years ago, Hemsworth shared with the world his predisposition for Alzheimer's Disease, something that pushed him to care better for his mental and physical health to curb any possible future symptoms. In the time since, his dad developed the disease, prompting an emotional moment for his family.
Hemsworth decided to document the experience and hopefully boost his dad's brain and slow the disease, resulting in the hour-long documentary titled "A Road Trip to Remember," following Hemsworth and his dad as they traveled to different places in Australia, including the family's '90s home in Melbourne and a ranch where his dad wrangled bulls in the '80s.
He explained that the road trip served as an experiment in slowing Craig's Alzheimer's progression under the supervision of a clinical psychologist. “It was the science around this reminiscence therapy that I found sort of a fascinating concept,” said Chris in an interview with Esquire. “The exposure to memories are stimulating the hippocampus, which is the same part of the brain the Alzheimer’s is attacking.”
What Hemsworth learned from the experience
Hemsworth revealed that while he has a close relationship with his parents and his dad, time spent with his family often involves his brothers, Liam and Luke. This served as the perfect experience for the two to bond alone.
"If nothing else, he and I got to have this little road trip away together to do something we had talked about for a lot of years,” he said. “I have two brothers, and we’ve had this great childhood and upbringing, but it’s always been sort of all of us together. That one-on-one time is special.”
The documentary was shot many months ago, with Craig's condition deteriorating. "We are just trying to stimulate as many connections in his life as possible," said Hemsworth.
As to the lessons he's learned, Hemsworth wants to value the connection he has with his dad, for however long they have together. "Whether we have another 20 years, or whether it’s another 20 days, it’s like: Hang on to every single moment. And connect on a deeper level as often and as frequently as you can," he said.
"A Road Trip To Remember" premieres on November 23rd on National Geographic and the following day on Disney+.