Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is one of the most effective methods of surgical treatment of ischemic heart disease (IHD). However, even improvement of life quality is evident in patients underwent CABG, some neuropsychological, cognitive alterations may appear. Therefore, the problem of neurological complications in cardiac surgery is still of current interest. Prevalence of cognitive dysfunction after CABG varies from 12 to 79%. One third of the patients have alterations of cognitive functions for 1 year and more after the operation. In this review, we will discuss the current understandings on etiology, pathogenesis and prevalence of cognitive dysfunction in patients with IHD after CABG. The following factors determine development of long-lasting cognitive deficiency: lower educational level, advanced age, significant alterations of cognitive functions in preoperative period. At present, age, comorbid pathology (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, vascular diseases, lung diseases), heart fai­lure, alcohol and drug abuse, preoperative cognitive dysfunction are considered as major risk factors for CABG-induced neurological complications. Importance of timely diagnostics and early beginning of treatment of cognitive dysfunction will be discussed.