Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger said Tuesday he was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and is in the early stage of what he called a “long journey.”
The 75-year-old said he disclosed the diagnosis to encourage other families to step forward, citing symptoms including memory lapses and poorer sleep.
Sullenberger became a national figure in 2009 when he ditched US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River after a bird strike knocked out both engines, saving all 150 passengers and five crew members.
Alzheimer’s affects about 7.4 million people aged 65 or older in the U.S., according to the Alzheimer’s Association; there is no cure, though treatments can ease symptoms and slow progression.