‘Sully’ Sullenberger Advocates for Alzheimer’s Testing in First Interview Since Diagnosis

Captain Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger, the celebrated pilot of the ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ landing, has shared his personal battle with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease in his first television interview since his diagnosis. The 75-year-old is now using his public platform to encourage others to undergo testing for the neurodegenerative condition.

Sullenberger, accompanied by his wife of 37 years, Lorrie, spoke with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America about their experience with the disease. He confirmed a positive diagnosis in August 2025, though he and his wife noted that subtle changes had begun to appear in the years prior. "I think we began to notice that I was changing in the few years before that," Sullenberger stated.

Lorrie Sullenberger emphasized that the early signs of Alzheimer's can be easily missed. "In the very beginning, they are so subtle. It's what's unusual for your person," she explained, adding that their decision to speak out is partly to encourage others who may be experiencing similar subtle changes to seek testing.

Captain Sullenberger echoed the importance of early diagnosis, stating, "Early diagnosis is so critically important. If you have doubts, get tested because the sooner you act, the more options there are, the better the outcome is likely to be." The full interview was scheduled to air on ABC.

Sullenberger had publicly disclosed his diagnosis in mid-July, revealing that while the disease impacts his memory and sleep, he remains optimistic. "I will navigate this chapter with my wonderful family by my side," he said at the time. He also noted the positive impact of his grandchildren, stating, "Our granddaughter gives a whole new meaning to life."

The former pilot, who became a national hero after successfully landing US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009 following a bird strike, compared his current challenge to that event. "Over the years, when people would ask about the successful outcome of Flight 1549, I would say that 'courage can be contagious,' and on that day it helped everyone band together to get everyone off that airplane successfully," he recalled. "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."

He shared that his doctor, Dr. Gil Rabinovici of UCSF Medical Center, has highlighted the widespread impact of Alzheimer's. "This disease, he has told me, spares no age group and impacts millions of people around the world. It is the unwanted visitor at the door," Sullenberger said. "So this new phase of my life has challenged what it means to be of service. And the answer is to speak up. It is my hope that by sharing this, other families living in the shadows with this disease will feel they too can step forward."

According to the Alzheimer's Association, an estimated 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's. In 2024, the disease was the fifth-leading cause of death for individuals over 65. Sullenberger's story was famously depicted in the 2016 film that bore his name, directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Tom Hanks.