Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger, the pilot famous for safely landing US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009, has announced he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease.
Sullenberger, 75, shared the diagnosis publicly, stating his symptoms currently involve difficulty with names and recent stories. He received the official diagnosis in August 2025.
The former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and airline captain became a national hero after the successful emergency landing on the Hudson River, an event known as the 'Miracle on the Hudson,' which saved all 155 people on board.
Sullenberger noted that his diagnosis will not prevent him from looking forward to the future. He aims to use his public profile to raise Alzheimer's awareness, encouraging other families affected by the disease to step forward.
His wife, Lorrie Sullenberger, emphasized that his strength and steadiness remain unchanged. The family is now part of a larger community navigating the journey of the disease together.
Medical experts note that Sullenberger's history with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the Hudson River landing could be a contributing factor, as PTSD is understood to double the risk of developing Alzheimer's due to changes in brain chemistry and sleep patterns.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, impacting memory, thinking, and behavior. While there is no cure, treatments exist to slow symptoms, and experts emphasize that protective lifestyle factors can help reduce risk.