Objective To observe the effect of cluster needling at scalp acupoints on cognitive function in Alzheimer disease (AD), and to elucidate its mechanism. Method Seventy eligible patients with cognitive impairment were randomized into two groups by their admission number. The treatment group was intervened by cluster needling at scalp acupoints plus oral administration of Fluoxetine hydrochloride, while the control group was by ordinary acupuncture. Two treatment courses later, the two groups were observed and compared in therapeutic efficacy and Activities of Daily living (ADL). Result There was a significant difference in comparing the total effective rate between the two groups (P＜0.05), the ADL scores dropped significantly in both groups after intervention (P＜0.01), and the decrease in the treatment group was statistically more significant (P＜0.01). Conclusion Cluster needling at scalp acupoints can effectively improve cognitive impairment in AD patients, and can promote the quality of life.