Objective To summarize the best evidence for managing delayed neurocognitive recovery (DNCR) after surgery and provide reference for the prevention and treatment of DNCR. Methods Retrieved BMJ Best Practice, Up To Date, Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), OVID, Guidelines International Network (GIN), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), the European Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC), the Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH), PubMed, the Database of Web of Science Core Collection, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Wanfang Database, Yimai Tong Guideline Network, and the Chinese Society of Anesthesiology website from January 2018 to October 2023 for evidence on DNCR assessment and management, including guidelines, expert consensus, clinical decisions, and systematic reviews. Two researchers evaluated the quality of the literature and extracted relevant data. Results A total of 13 documents were included, comprising 1 guideline, 9 expert consensus statements, 1 clinical decision, and 2 systematic reviews. There were 29 optimal evidence recommendations across nine areas: risk factor screening, cognitive assessment, anesthesia optimization and medication review, pain management, monitoring of organ supply and demand feedback, stress management, cognitive support therapy, multidisciplinary team collaboration, and education and training. Conclusions This study provides evidence‑based guidance for managing DNCR. Clinical personnel should tailor these recommendations to clinical realities, adhere to individualized principles, and implement multimodal and multidimensional perioperative management with multidisciplinary team collaboration.