Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger III, the pilot who famously saved 155 lives by crash-landing US Airways Flight 1549 on New York's Hudson River in 2009, has revealed he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease nearly a year ago. In an interview with PEOPLE, the 75-year-old aviation hero shared his bleak prognosis, stating the disease is in its early stages.
Diagnosis and Early Symptoms
Sullenberger confirmed that his official diagnosis came in August 2025, after he began experiencing memory lapses. 'It is early stage. For now, this means a name may not come easily to me, I forget a story I have recently told, or I don’t sleep as well, but I am in the beginning of this long journey,' he told PEOPLE. Despite possessing a photographic memory for much of his life, he has struggled with recalling details over the past year.
Impact of the Miracle on the Hudson
Medical analysts suggest that the traumatic events of January 15, 2009, may have contributed to his condition. Sullenberger was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the incident, which 'doubles the risk of developing Alzheimer's because of changing brain chemistry and structure and sleep disruption,' according to experts. His first officer on Flight 1549, Jeff Skiles, expressed support, saying, 'Sully is larger than life, even to me. He’s somebody I’ve always looked up to... 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.'
Commitment to Advocacy
Despite the diagnosis, Sullenberger remains determined to serve the public. He plans to focus on raising Alzheimer's awareness, stating, '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 added, 'So many people told us after Flight 1549, that the outcome gave them hope. Lorrie, my incredible partner of 37 years, says we can all use a little of that hope right now.'
Alzheimer's Disease Statistics
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, affecting more than seven million people in the US over age 65, according to the Alzheimer's Association. In the UK, approximately 1 in 14 people over 65 live with dementia. The disease is progressive and irreversible, but treatments and lifestyle changes can slow its progression. Psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen has outlined 11 risk-reducing factors, including promoting blood flow, reducing inflammation, avoiding toxins, maintaining mental and physical activity, and getting adequate sleep.
A Legacy of Courage
Sullenberger, who will soon 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 said.
