The purpose of this article is to discuss one of the key behavioral scientific problems facing the Alzheimer's disease (AD) research community: sleep-activity rhythm disruption. Research opportunities in this area have the potential for a significant positive impact on the management of AD in the home and in various institutional environments. Barriers that impede timely implementation of programs of research in this area, suggestions for overcoming these barriers, and resources needed to facilitate the rapid advance of research are also discussed.