Objective To study the effects of β-amyloid proteins Aβ40, Aβ42, and Aβ42Arc on the cognitive functions in the transgenic drosophila with Alzheimer's disease (AD).Methods The experiment was designed into four groups: normal wild-type, Aβ40, Aβ42 and Aβ42Arc transgenic drosophila. Pavlovian olfactory memory and climbing abilities and life span were measured in the four groups.Results Compared with the control group, the short-term dfactory memory and climbing abilities as well as life span were reduced in the Aβ40, Aβ42 and Aβ42Arc groups.Conclusions Aβ may result in a decrease in cognitive functions in transgenic drosophila with AD.