【Abstract】 Background: In recent years, POCD research has shifted from surgical and anesthetic variables to hereditary vulnerability, which has become a topic of recent investigations. Many candidate genes have been investigated for their association with POCD after surgery and epigenetic dysregulation might be a critical mechanism underlying POCD. Objective: Here, we review that the present research of association between hereditary vulnerability and POCD. Content: In this paper, we first summarized the research on gene polymorphism and epigenetics, then reviewed the research status of POCD gene and look forward to its future development. Trend: By strengthening the POCD gene research can be helpful for screening high-risk groups and taking appropriate interventions.