Hereditary vulnerabilities to postoperative cognitive dysfunction

In recent years, studies concerning the pathogenesis and risk factors of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) has shifted from surgical and anesthetic factors to hereditary vulnerability. Many candidate genes have been investigated for their association with POCD and epigenetic dysregulation might be a critical mechanism underlying POCD. In this paper, we summarized the current researches on gene polymorphism and epigenetics, and discussed future research plans. Strengthening POCD gene research can be helpful for screening high-risk groups and taking appropriate interventions. Key words: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction; Gene polymorphism; Epigenetics