Mechanistically, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway contributed to the different cognitive function change between the LDR group and HDR group.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Compared with chronic low-dose γ-irradiation at HDR, LDR induced more severe cognitive impairment which might involve PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Here, AKT1 is linked to Cognitive impairment.