Validation of apathy evaluation scale and assessment of severity of apathy in Alzheimer's disease.

Aim: Apathy is a well-recognized symptom of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of the present study was to validate the Taiwanese version of the Apathy Evaluation Scale, clinician version (AES-C) and assess the severity of apathy in patients with AD.

Methods: Comprehensive evaluations were conducted in a total of 144 AD patients.

Long-term psychological outcome of 1999 Taiwan earthquake survivors: a survey of a high-risk sample with property damage.

Objective: Severe natural disasters can cause long-term psychological impact on the survivors. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and risk factors of posttraumatic stress symptoms and psychiatric morbidity among survivors of the severe earthquake that occurred in Chi-Chi, Taiwan, in September 21, 1999.

Methods: A total of 6412 earthquake survivors whose houses were destroyed by earthquake were recruited about 2 years after the disaster.