Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger III, the retired pilot who famously saved all 155 lives aboard US Airways Flight 1549 in 2009, has disclosed that he was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease in August 2025. The 75-year-old aviation hero shared the news in a candid interview with PEOPLE, marking nearly a year of private struggle.
Early-Stage Diagnosis and Symptoms
Sullenberger described his current condition as 'early stage,' noting that symptoms include difficulty recalling names, forgetting recently told stories, and disrupted sleep. Despite possessing a photographic memory throughout his life, he began experiencing memory lapses over the past year, leading to the formal diagnosis. 'This disease spares no age group and impacts millions of people around the world. It is the unwanted visitor at the door,' he said in a statement.
Response from Fellow Pilot Jeff Skiles
Jeff Skiles, the first officer on Flight 1549, expressed support for his former captain. 'Sully is larger than life, even to me. He's somebody I've always looked up to, and I think a lot of other people do, too. Hopefully, it's going to progress slowly, and he's going to be able to create the kind of life going forward that he would be proud of,' Skiles told PEOPLE.
Link to PTSD and Alzheimer's Risk
Medical experts have suggested that Sullenberger's diagnosis may be linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) he developed after the 'Miracle on the Hudson.' PTSD is known to double the risk of developing Alzheimer's due to changes in brain chemistry, structure, and sleep disruption, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting over 7 million Americans aged 65 and older. In the UK, approximately 1 in 14 people over 65 live with dementia.
Public Advocacy and Hope
Despite the diagnosis, Sullenberger remains committed to public service, focusing on raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease. '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,' he said. He added that his wife of 37 years, Lorrie, believes 'we can all use a little of that hope right now.'
Treatment and Prevention Strategies
While there is no cure for Alzheimer's, treatments exist to slow its progression, including cognitive and physical exercise. Psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen outlined 11 protective factors, such as improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation, avoiding toxins like alcohol and drugs, enhancing mental wellbeing, strengthening immunity, obtaining sufficient sleep, monitoring weight, staying aware of hereditary conditions, maintaining hormonal balance, and keeping the brain engaged during retirement.
Legacy and Courage
Sullenberger, soon to be inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame, remains optimistic. '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. 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 concluded.
