 BACKGROUND Post-operative cognitive dysfunction POCD is defined as a spectrum of postoperative central nervous system dysfunctions both acute and persistent, including subtle neurologic signs and neuropsychological impairment. The incidence of POCD is clearly associated with the age of patients, with older patients being more susceptible to neurologic impairment following anesthesia and surgery. Due to the increasing life expectances and ameliorated surgical and anesthesiologic techniques, more and more elderly people are undergoing surgical procedures. In this respect, POCD is a complication that needs to be taken into account in the perioperative course of elderly patients, especially in those with reduced neurological functional reserve capacity and high prevalence of comorbidities. It is worth underlining that the occurrence of POCD brings a very important subjective burden on the quality of life of the patient and also and outstanding social impact. 