The challenge facing researchers today is to develop a systematic approach to defining and studying behavioral disturbances of dementia. At present, behavioral symptoms of dementia are inconsistently and imprecisely defined. Further complicating the study of behavioral problems is the lack of standardized rating tools and the difficulty of obtaining accurate data, both from the patient and the caregiver. To provide a focus for researchers, the author outlines several areas that deserve consideration in future discussions of behavioral symptoms in patients with dementia.