【Abstract】Background: In recent years, the development of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in the field of neurology and psychiatry has provided a new idea for the objective diagnosis of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Objective: Introduce the current application of fMRI in the field of POCD both in theory and in practice, and provide support for future exploration and practice. Content: FMRI overview and its application in neurological and psychiatric diseases; analyze the theoretical feasibility and technical advantages of fMRI for POCD, list the existing research achievements, and discuss the limitations in practice. Trend: with continuous improvement of technology, deepening of application and conduct of joint research, we have reason to believe that, fMRI's predictive and diagnostic value for POCD will become increasingly prominent in clinical practice.