Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are the second common central nervous system tumors. Patients often present with headache, vision loss, visual field defects, and cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive function is the ability of the brain to acquire, analyze and process external information; once the patient has serious cognitive dysfunction, it will bring heavy burden to the family and society. This article summarizes the cognitive functions in patients with PitNETs from perspectives of hormone, anatomical structures around the pituitary, tumor volume, treatment, and cognitive function assessment, in order to provide research ideas in elucidating relevant mechanisms in the future and provide basis for formulating rehabilitation plans for patients.