Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common neurological complication following surgery and anesthesia, especially for the elderly patients. POCD in the elderly develops as a result of interaction of multiple factors rather than a single cause. POCD will lead to lifelong cognitive impairment if the patients are not getting detection and management timely. This article analyzed and summarized relevant literatures about POCD, and elucidated the risk factors for POCD, the effects of surgical procedures,anesthetic medicines and approaches on its occurrence, and the strategies for its prevention and treatment. We also reviewed the roles of above influencing factors in the occurrence and development of POCD in order to provide new idea for prevention and treatment of the disorder in the elderly.