Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger III, the celebrated pilot who gained national recognition for his emergency landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River, has announced he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Sullenberger, 75, shared that while the diagnosis means he may struggle to recall names or forget recently told stories, he is beginning a "long journey" with the disease.
He received his official diagnosis in August 2025 after experiencing difficulties remembering details over the past year, a change from his previously described photographic memory. Sullenberger stated that his doctor, Dr. Gil Rabinovici of UCSF Medical Center, informed him of the disease's prevalence, noting it affects people of all ages.
Sullenberger, a former U.S. Air Force officer, became a national hero on January 15, 2009, when a flock of geese caused a dual engine failure shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport. His skillful emergency landing on the Hudson River resulted in the survival of all 155 people on board, an event widely known as the "Miracle on the Hudson."
His wife, Lorrie Sullenberger, described him as a "steady person" before and after the incident, and continues to be so following his diagnosis. She expressed the family's commitment to supporting him and finding hope and joy in daily life. First officer on Flight 1549, Capt. Jeff Skiles, also shared his support, expressing hope for a slow progression of the disease and for Sullenberger to continue living a life he is proud of.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a Fox News senior medical analyst, noted that Sullenberger's prior diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after the Hudson River landing could have increased his risk for Alzheimer's. Siegel explained that PTSD can alter brain chemistry and structure, potentially increasing the risk of developing Alzheimer's.
Sullenberger, who has previously advocated for aviation safety and increased pilot training, plans to use his diagnosis to raise awareness for Alzheimer's disease. "It is my hope that by sharing this, other families living in the shadows with this disease will feel they, too, can step forward," he stated. He expressed a desire for courage to battle the disease, drawing a parallel to the courage shown by passengers and crew during the Flight 1549 incident.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60% to 80% of dementia cases. It is a progressive condition that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. While there is no cure, treatments are available to help slow symptom progression, and experts anticipate more effective therapies in the future. Lifestyle factors such as mental and physical activity, promoting blood flow, reducing inflammation, and avoiding toxins are also considered important in managing risk. Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist, has previously emphasized that Alzheimer's can begin developing decades before symptoms appear, underscoring the importance of early brain health protection.
Sullenberger, who is set to be inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame, stated his diagnosis will not prevent him from appreciating the future and that he will navigate this new chapter with his family's support. The pilot previously stated, "courage can be contagious," and he now aims for that courage to be applied to battling Alzheimer's. "Now we need that courage to battle this disease. I am now part of a larger community with many of you, and we will be courageous together."