Retired pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, 75, publicly addressed his early-stage Alzheimer’s diagnosis for the first time in a television interview with ABC’s Good Morning America on Wednesday. Sullenberger, known for the 2009 “Miracle on the Hudson” landing, confirmed he was diagnosed in August 2025 but noted he had observed subtle changes in the years prior.
Sullenberger and his wife, Lorrie, spoke about the diagnosis as part of an effort to encourage early testing for Alzheimer’s. He described the condition as manageable at this stage, stating, “I recently found out I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. 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.”
Sullenberger emphasized the importance of early detection, saying, “Early diagnosis is so critically important. If you have doubts, get tested because the sooner you act, the more options there are, the better the outcome is likely to be.” He and his wife initially considered keeping the diagnosis private but decided to share their experience to raise awareness.
The Diagnosis and Its Timeline
Sullenberger first announced his diagnosis in a July 14 post on his website, describing it as a “long journey” ahead. He later clarified in the interview that while the formal diagnosis came in August 2025, he and his wife had noticed behavioral changes in the preceding years. Lorrie Sullenberger described the early symptoms as “so subtle” that they were difficult to recognize immediately.
Sullenberger compared managing his diagnosis to his emergency landing in 2009, stating, “We’re focusing clearly on the highest priority items first, and we are ignoring everything we don’t have time to do.” He is currently receiving monthly treatments aimed at slowing the progression of the disease.
Reflecting on a Life of Service
The retired pilot, whose 208-second landing on the Hudson River saved all 128 passengers and crew aboard US Airways Flight 1549, reflected on how his diagnosis aligns with his past actions. “Had even one person not survived, I would have considered it a tragic failure,” he said, adding that his approach to Alzheimer’s mirrors his professional mindset: “We had to devise a plan, execute that plan flawlessly for the first time — never having done it before — and save every life.”
Advocacy for Early Testing
Both Sullenberger and his wife framed their decision to go public as a call to action for others. Lorrie Sullenberger noted that media coverage often focuses on late-stage symptoms, which can overshadow the importance of early intervention. “A lot of what I think people see in the news are late stage Alzheimer’s symptoms,” she said. “In the very beginning, they are so subtle.”
Sullenberger’s advocacy aligns with broader efforts to destigmatize Alzheimer’s testing and treatment. His openness about the diagnosis follows his long-standing public service, including his work as a safety advocate and author.