Sully Sullenberger Opens Up About His Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger shared on Wednesday his greatest fear regarding his Alzheimer’s Disease—he believes he might be on his “last flight.”

The 75-year-old pilot, known for the “Miracle on the Hudson,” spoke with ABC News about shifting his perspective following the initial “shock” and “anger” of his July diagnosis, which left him pondering, “Why me?”

“I’ve faced tougher challenges before,” he noted, referring to the heroic landing of a US Airways jet in the Hudson River on January 15, 2009, where he saved all 155 individuals aboard.

When asked about his biggest concern, he replied simply, “That this is my last flight.”

“But if this has to be my last flight, I’m going to go out using a full afterburner,” he affirmed with determination.

Sullenberger described how the symptoms of the progressive brain disease emerged gradually and encouraged others to seek testing at the first sign of any issues.

“One of the first things I noticed was that remembering names became increasingly difficult, even for people I knew. It’s still a challenge,” he shared with “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts.

“Just forgetting things that seem normal, or repeating myself without realizing I already mentioned it an hour ago. I now rely on my calendar daily to manage my schedule,” he explained.

He emphasized the importance of early diagnosis: “If you have doubts, get tested. The sooner you act, the more options you may have, and the better your outcome is likely to be.”

Despite feeling initial “shock and anger,” Sullenberger finds comfort in the knowledge that he and his wife, Lorrie, “are not by any means alone.”

“We’re part of a community striving to cope with this situation,” he said.

Although he undergoes monthly infusion treatments that help manage symptoms temporarily, he acknowledges that progress is “inevitable.”

He expressed concern about becoming a burden on Lorrie as they face the future together, something that weighs heavily on his mind.

In a reassuring tone, Lorrie appeared resolute about tackling whatever lies ahead, saying, “My plan right now is to take it one day at a time. I have no idea what’s coming.”

“That this is my last flight. But if this has to be my last flight, I’m going to go out using a full afterburner,” he reiterated.