‘Miracle on the Hudson’ pilot Captain ‘Sully’ reveals Alzheimer’s diagnosis

Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the celebrated pilot who successfully landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009 after its engines failed, has revealed he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The diagnosis came in August of last year, Sullenberger told People magazine, noting that he first suspected something was amiss when his photographic memory began to falter intermittently.

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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.

"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 with the publication, describing it as the "beginning of this long journey." Sullenberger, who retired from professional flying in 2010, expressed gratitude for the support of his daughters, wife, and granddaughter, stating that his grandchildren "give a whole new meaning to life."

Sullenberger, who became a national hero for saving all 155 people aboard Flight 1549, is now among the millions of Americans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer's. His doctor, Dr. Gil Rabinovici of UCSF Medical Center, has helped him understand the disease's prevalence, emphasizing that it affects people of all ages globally. Sullenberger referred to it as "the unwanted visitor at the door."

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Grandchildren are a game changer. Our granddaughter gives a whole new meaning to life.

His wife, Laurie, affirmed that the family continues to live their lives with hope and joy, emphasizing Sullenberger's consistent steady nature. "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 said. The family is supporting him on this journey, acknowledging the uncertainty of the future while finding joy in everyday life.

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My doctor, Dr. Gil Rabinovici with UCSF Medical Center, has opened my eyes to the prevalence 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, famously portrayed by Tom Hanks in the film "Sully: Miracle on the Hudson," hopes to leverage his public profile to advocate for greater awareness of Alzheimer's disease. This initiative follows his years of work promoting safety standards and pilot training within the aviation industry. He views this new phase of his life as an opportunity to address the challenges of this neurodegenerative condition.

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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. 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.