Loading…
3 sources·Started 13d ago·Updated 13d ago
Captain Sully Sullenberger Reveals Early Alzheimer's Diagnosis
Chesley SullenbergerAlzheimer's diseaseUS Airways Flight 1549Miracle on the HudsonHudson RiverTom HanksUCSF Medical CenterAlzheimer's Association
Sources
3outlets
BBTGCN
Coverage
5articles
Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger, hero of the 2009 Miracle on the Hudson, announced he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The 75-year-old former pilot shared the news on his personal website, stating that the diagnosis is in its early stages. Source: BBCSource: CNN
What He Said
Sullenberger described symptoms such as occasional difficulty recalling names or recent stories, but emphasized he is at the beginning of a long journey. He urged others living with the disease to step forward, saying, "Now we need that courage to battle this disease." Source: The Guardian He also noted that his doctor, Dr. Gil Rabinovici of UCSF Medical Center, has helped him understand the prevalence of Alzheimer's. Source: CNN
The Disease
Approximately 7.4 million Americans aged 65 and older have clinical Alzheimer's dementia, with about three-quarters aged 75 and older. Source: The Guardian Alzheimer's is a progressive brain disorder with no cure, though treatments can slow progression. Source: CNN
His Legacy
Sullenberger is best known for safely landing US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River on January 15, 2009, after both engines failed due to a bird strike. All 155 people on board survived. His story was dramatized in the 2016 film "Sully" starring Tom Hanks. Source: BBCSource: The Guardian
Story timeline · 1 earlier headline
- Captain Sully Reveals Early-Stage Alzheimer's Diagnosis13d ago · 2 sources
- Captain Sully Sullenberger Reveals Early Alzheimer's Diagnosiscurrent
Sources
4 quotesBBC↗
“"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."”
The Guardian↗
“"This new phase of my life has challenged what it means to be of service. And the answer is to speak up."”
CNN↗
“"My doctor, Dr. Gil Rabinovici with UCSF Medical Center, has opened my eyes to the prevalence of Alzheimer's."”
BBC↗
“"Over the years, when people would ask about the successful outcome of Flight 1549, I would say that 'courage can be contagious,' and on that day it helped everyone band together to get everyone off that airplane successfully."”