In recent years,a large number of pre-clinical cell and animal studies have shown that isoflurane as the representative of a variety of clinical commonly used inhaled anesthetics may induce neurotoxicity,including neuroapoptosis,neurodegeneration,and long-term neurocognitive and behav? ioral deficits. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress play an important role in the side effect. This paper reviews the currently relatively clear mechanisms by which isoflurane causes postoperative cognitive dysfunction and prevention methods. Specific mechanisms of these effects include inhibition of the hydrolysis of brain-derived neurotrophic factor precursor in hippocampal neurons,promotion of neuronal apoptosis, overactivation of 1,4,5-inositol trisphosphate receptor, intracellular calcium imbalance,acetylcholine inhibition,inhibition of long-term potentiation. At the same time,current preventive studies are introduced,such as dexmedetomidine and xenon.