Background　Postoperative cognitive dysfunction(POCD) often occurs in elderly patients who had cardiac or non-cardiac surgeries. POCD results in an increasing of morbidity and mortality and requires more healthcare resources. Recent studies suggest that neuroinflammation plays a major role in POCD.　Objective　Further investigation of the mechanism of neuroinflammation in POCD and preventive strategies.　Content　This article reviewed the impact of neuroinflammation, inflammation cytokines, anti-inflammation and inflammation suppression on POCD.　Trend　Prophylactic administration of anti-inflammation drugs as a preventive strategy of POCD.