Tech Shout!

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is becoming increasingly common in today’s ever-so-stressed-out world. Characterized by symptoms such as a fading of memory, reasoning and planning, it surely is an ailment that not only affects the patient himself but also his or her family members. What’s worst is that though it is the common belief that it only strikes the old, but contrary to this over time it has been proved that even someone of just about 30 years of age, who’s in the prime of his life, can be affected by Alzheimer’s.

Flash memory card maker SanDisk understands the intensity of Alzheimer’s, and had indeed come out with a very noble initiative. The company has launched special editions of two products, namely a 2GB SanDisk Ultra II SD and a 2GB SanDisk Cruzer Micro USB flash drive. $1 out of every sale of this special pack will directly go to the Alzheimer’s Association, which is the leading volunteer organization for Alzheimer’s research and family support. This fine cause will continue till August 2008, up to the sale of a maximum of $1 million specially-branded products.

It is also very simple to tell apart these specially-branded products from the other SanDisk products, as they purple in color, which is the signature color of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Greg Rhine, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Products Division at SanDisk said, “SanDisk as a company is dedicated to preserving digital memories, so it’s appropriate for us to do what we can to help stop a disease that attacks human memory.” Rhine continued, “Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease - it is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and, according to surveys, nearly half of all Americans know someone who has Alzheimer’s. We are pleased to support the important work of The Alzheimer’s Association.”

“Our new alliance with SanDisk, a well-known name in the field of consumer electronics, will help increase awareness of Alzheimer’s,” maintained Angela Geiger, vice president at the Alzheimer’s Association. “In addition, SanDisk will be raising much-needed funds for our education, care and support, and research programs.”

Currently SanDisk’s two Take Action Against Alzheimer’s products are can be bought from select Best Buy stores in the US. By October several other US retailers are expected to sell the products too. While the 2GB SanDisk Ultra II SD card comes with an MSRP of $44.99, the 2GB Cruzer Micro USB flash drive has an MSRP of $39.99.

So as the world celebrates the “World Alzheimer’s Day” on 21st September, contribute your bit by supporting this noble cause by SanDisk and the Alzheimer’s Association.