Ferroptosis is a newly discovered form of regulating cell death, which is related to the occurrence and development of many nervous system diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases (NDD). Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND), a complication associated with anesthesia and surgery, has a high prevalence in the elderly with degenerative changes in brain structure and function. This article discusses the relationship between ferroptosis and the occurrence and development of NDD, as well as with PND, in an effort to provide new reference targets for the prevention and treatment of NDD and PND.