Objective To evaluate the effect of memory training using the "method of loci" before operation on the early postoperative cognitive function in the elderly patients undergoing laparotomy under general anesthesia.Methods Ninety-six ASA physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ patients of both sexes,aged ≥60 yr,with body mass index 16-31 kg/m2,scheduled for elective laparotomy under general anesthesia,were randomly divided into 2 groups using a random number table:control group (group C,n =49) and memory training group (group T,n =47).The patients in T group received the memory training using the "method of loci" once a day (about 30-40 min for each time) starting from 3 days before operation until 1 day before operation.Neuropsychological tests were performed before training and on 7 days after operation.The development of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) was recorded.The patients were divided into POCD group and non-POCD group depending on whether or not POCD occurred.The risk factors of which P values were less than 0.05 between POCD group and non-POCD group would enter the logistic regression analysis to stratify POCD-related risk factors.Results The incidence of POCD was 36％ (16 cases) and 16％ (7 cases) in C and T groups,respectively.The incidence of POCD was significantly lower in group T than in group C.Compared with non-POCD group,the age was significantly older and the ratio of patients who received memory training before operation was decreased in POCD group.Logistic regression analysis showed that old age and no preoperative memory training were risk factors for POCD.Conclusion Memory training using the "method of loci" before operation can improve the early postoperative cognitive function in the elderly patients undergoing laparotomy under general anesthesia.