Objective  To explore the impact of 20 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on clinical symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its long-term effect.

  Methods  A total of 70 patients with AD were divided into observation group (n=35) and control group (n=35). The observation group was treated with 20 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for 6 weeks. Cognitive function and the scores of psycho-behavioral symptoms were evaluated before treatment, after treatment and 12 weeks after treatment.

  Results  After treatment, scores of Alzheimer′s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognition (ADAS-Cog) and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and activities of daily living (ADL) scale between the two groups (P>0.05). Twelve weeks after treatment, ADAS-Cog and NPI scores in the observation group were significantly lower, and MMSE score was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in ADL score between the two groups (P>0.05).

  Conclusion  20 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation can effectively improve the cognitive function and psycho-behavioral symptoms of AD patients, and the effect remains after the end of treatment.