MAPT and early-onset autosomal dominant Alzheimer disease: Surgery‐induced stress activates microglia into a pro‐inflammatory state, contributing to a neuroinflammatory environment.[8, 9] Increased phosphorylation of tau proteins has been observed in studies, which may further contribute to cognitive dysfunction.[10, 11] POCD shares similarities in mechanisms and pathophysiology with Alzheimer's disease, where tau protein interactions with neuroinflammation are well‐documented.