Former Hudson River pilot Capt. Sully Sullenberger diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s

Retired U.S. Airways captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, 75, disclosed that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. The diagnosis was made by Dr. Gil Rabinovici at UCSF Medical Center in California. In a statement, Sullenberger said the condition may cause occasional difficulty recalling names or recent stories and affect his sleep, but he described it as the beginning of a long journey.

He said he is revealing the diagnosis publicly to help other families confronting the disease. "I have spent my life in service, in the U.S. Air Force, as a commercial airline pilot, an accident investigator, and as the U.S. Ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organization," he noted, adding that he has used his public profile to advocate for aviation safety, including pilot training, rest requirements, and technology improvements.

Sullenberger said the new phase challenges his sense of service, and he intends to continue speaking out. "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 expressed optimism about the future, stating, "Though it may impact my memory of the past, this diagnosis will not prevent me from looking forward to and appreciating our future. I will navigate this chapter with my wonderful family by my side."