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Introduction: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common complication following surgery. Electroacupuncture (EA), manual acupuncture (MA), transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS), and cognitive training (CT) can effectively maintain or improve the postoperative cognitive function of patients. However, it remains unclear which therapy is the most effective. Therefore, this network meta-analysis aims to compare and rank the efficacy of these non-pharmacological therapies for POCD to identify the optimal therapy. Methods and analysis: A systematic search will be conducted across seven databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, AMED, and PsycINFO) for articles published between January 2000 and November 2023. Two reviewers will independently conduct study selection and data extraction. The primary outcome will be the changes in the overall cognitive function before and after the intervention. The secondary outcome will be the incidence of POCD. The risk of bias will be assessed using the revised Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. Pairwise and Bayesian network meta-analyses will be performed using RevMan, STATA, and Aggregate Data Drug Information System statistical software. Additionally, the quality of evidence will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation guidelines. Ethics and dissemination: The results will be disseminated to peer-reviewed journals or conferences. Trial registration: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023454028. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non‐pharmacological interventions can improve the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). However, the optimal non‐pharmacological treatments remain controversial. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of multiple non‐pharmacological methods and identify the optimal therapy for BPSD. Potential randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were searched and selected from 15 databases and sources from the inception of the databases until 1 October 2022. Two independent authors implemented study screening, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment. Primary outcome was reduction of Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). The secondary outcome were changes of Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD), the Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI), the Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease (QoL‐AD), the Abilities of Daily Living scale, and the Apathy Evaluation Scale. Meta‐analyses were performed using STATA v15.0 and ADDIS v1.16.8. The GRADE approaches were utilised to evaluate evidence quality. The present study included 43 RCTs with 4978 participants. The global methodological quality of the RCTs was moderate. Regarding NPI reduction, with moderate‐certainty evidence, exercise plus treatment as usual (TAU) outperformed TAU (mean difference [MD]: −7.13; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −13.22, −0.76) and ranked as the optimal treatment. For reduction in CSDD, with low‐ to moderate‐certainty evidence, massage plus TAU (MD: −15.26; 95% CI: −20.13, −10.52) and music plus TAU (MD: −2.40; 95% CI: −4.62, −0.12) were associated with greater reduction compared with TAU. For reduction in CMAI, with moderate‐certainty evidence, aromatherapy plus massage (MD: −15.84; 95% CI: −29.76, −2.42) and massage plus music (MD: −13.12; 95% CI: −25.43, −0.76) were significantly more effective than TAU. For improvement in QoL‐AD, with critically low‐ to low‐certainty evidence, there were no statistical differences between any of non‐pharmacological treatments and TAU. Due to the limited number of included studies, network meta‐analysis was not performed for other outcomes. In conclusion, non‐pharmacological treatments are effective for overall symptoms, depression, and agitation. Exercise plus treatment as usual may be an optimal non‐pharmacological intervention for improving the overall BPSD. This may help to guide patients, doctors, and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]