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Captain Sully Sullenberger Diagnosed with Alzheimer's

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 · 3 sources

Captain Chesley Sullenberger III, known for landing a plane on the Hudson River, has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's. He plans to raise awareness about brain health.

Captain Chesley Sullenberger III, who landed a commercial airliner on the Hudson River in 2009, has announced that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. He is known to the public as Captain Sully.

Captain Sullenberger said he will use his diagnosis to raise awareness about brain health. He has been an advocate for various causes since his retirement from commercial flying.

The 2009 landing, which saved the lives of all 155 people on board, was widely reported and led to Captain Sullenberger being hailed as a hero.

Captain Sullenberger's announcement about his health is the latest step in his public life, which has included writing books and speaking about his experiences.

He has spoken about the importance of supporting research into brain diseases and encouraging people to take care of their brain health.

The 50+ takeaway: Alzheimer's affects many over 50.

Go Deeper

What is Captain Sully famous for?

Captain Sully is famous for landing a commercial airliner on the Hudson River in 2009, saving the lives of all 155 people on board.

What has Captain Sully been diagnosed with?

Captain Sully has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease.

What does Captain Sully plan to do after his diagnosis?

Captain Sully plans to use his diagnosis to raise awareness about brain health and support research into brain diseases.

What has Captain Sully done since his retirement from flying?

Since his retirement, Captain Sully has written books and spoken about his experiences, and has been an advocate for various causes.

Why is Captain Sully's announcement important?

Captain Sully's announcement is important because it raises awareness about Alzheimer's disease and the importance of brain health, and may encourage others to take care of their brain health.