A study of active military and veterans in San Antonio has found that an advanced form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) that uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain nerve cells significantly improved combat-related PTSD symptoms. The procedure was used in combination with psychotherapy, resulting in 85% of participants with PTSD having clinically significant symptom reductions, compared to 59% of those receiving a sham procedure. The researchers found that soldiers and veterans receiving the TMS were more likely to maintain their treatment gains over time. The study also revealed that scientists may need to interpret standard monitoring tools differently in women and men to understand the brain changes of Alzheimer's disease.