Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger III, the celebrated aviator globally recognized for the 2009 "Miracle on the Hudson," has revealed that he is living with Alzheimer's disease. The 75-year-old pilot announced his health status in an interview with People magazine published on Tuesday, July 14, noting that he received the formal diagnosis last August.
Reflecting on the early stages of his condition, Sullenberger described the daily realities of his diagnosis. "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," he shared. "But I am in the beginning of this long journey."
Sullenberger’s medical care is being managed by Dr. Gil Rabinovici of the UCSF Medical Center. According to the captain, his doctor emphasized that the neurodegenerative disorder is widespread, affecting millions globally and sparing no specific age group. Sullenberger referred to the condition as "the unwanted visitor at the door."
The pilot's wife, Lorrie, highlighted the captain's enduring character throughout this transition. "Just as he was the same steady person before and after Flight 1549, he is the same steady person now, before and after this diagnosis," she stated. "That strength and steadiness is guiding us as a family. We're supporting him on this journey that we now walk with so many other families. Though the future is uncertain, we continue to live our lives, have hope and find joy in the everyday."
The "Miracle on the Hudson" occurred in 2009 when an Airbus A320, departing from LaGuardia Airport in New York, suffered a dual-engine failure. Sullenberger successfully landed the aircraft in the Hudson River off Manhattan, ensuring the safety of all 155 passengers and crew members. While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, which causes progressive cognitive and functional decline, Sullenberger remains focused on the future. He noted that while the diagnosis may affect his memory of the past, it will not stop him from looking forward.
Emphasizing a desire to be of service in this new chapter, Sullenberger explained that he intends to "speak up" to help others. "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. Reflecting on the hope he provided during the 2009 landing, he added, "Lorrie, my incredible partner of 37 years, says we can all use a little of that hope right now."
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by abnormal biological processes in the brain that often lead to cognitive decline. Symptoms can include forgetfulness, difficulty finding words and struggles with reasoning, problem solving and judgment.
There's currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease. While some symptoms may be mild at first, the disease continues to damage the brain, which usually leads to more severe cognitive and functional decline. However, treatments are improving, with early detection and new medications available to patients.
