Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 January 2005
The global regulatory environment strongly affects the development of effective medications to treat behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) (Whitehouse, 1998b). Since its inception in 1994, the International Working Group for Harmonization of Dementia Drug Guidelines (IWG) has been working to foster dialogue on dementia drug development among academics, regulators, industry representatives, and patients and their families. In this overview, I describe the IWG's mission, people, and recent activities (Whitehouse, 1998c), and its activities concerning BPSD in several regions throughout the world.