On July 14, Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, the retired pilot who earned fame and international acclaim in 2009 after safely landing a commercial airliner on the Hudson River after the plane lost thrust in its engines, announced that he has 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, but I am in the beginning of this long journey," Sullenberger shared in a statement.
He also said he hopes sharing his diagnosis will encourage other families struggling with the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease to "step forward."
Sullenberger’s landing became known as the "Miracle on the Hudson." His story was adapted into the film ‘Sully’ (2016), directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Tom Hanks in the title role.
Alzheimer’s disease, which affects around 57 million people globally, is the most common type of dementia. While there is no cure, prompt diagnosis of the condition can make it more manageable, especially in its early stages. Indeed, much can be offered to support and improve the lives of people living with Alzheimer's and their carers and families.
Check out this gallery to understand more about the disease and the many ways it affects the sufferer.