The main objective of this study is to examine the effects of memory-based recall therapy applied to elderly adults diagnosed with Stage 0, 1, and 2 dementia on their mental state, psychological flexibility, and cognitive flexibility.

The original flow plan created in the study is not found in the literature. Therefore, presenting the effects of memory-based recall on cognition in the literature may demonstrate that the contents of classical recall therapy can also be effectively restructured with cognitive effects. From this perspective, the aim is to make recommendations for "advanced psychiatric nursing practices."

Research Hypotheses:

H0: Memory-based recall therapy has no effect on mental state, psychological flexibility, and cognitive flexibility in individuals with early-stage dementia.

H1: Memory-based Recall Therapy has an effect on mental state, psychological flexibility, and cognitive flexibility in individuals with early-stage dementia.

Memory therapy is very important for elderly people with declining cognitive functions, as it can stimulate various senses such as touch, taste, and smell. Materials that facilitate recall can be used in therapy. Physical objects that the elderly can look at and touch provide the patient with additional sources of information, draw their attention to the topics being discussed, and refocus them. In addition, Memory Therapy is a good method for recalling memories and movements that are not readily available or otherwise inaccessible.

The study will be conducted with elderly individuals who have applied to community health centers based in Kahramanmaraş or to the neurology and psychiatry departments of tertiary hospitals. The sample size of 573 was determined based on data obtained from outpatient clinics and community health units (diagnosis sites). At least 114 participants must be reached. Data collection will utilize the Demographic Information Form, Standardized Mini Mental Test (SMMT), Psychological Flexibility Scale, and Cognitive Flexibility Scale. The data will be collected by the researcher in two stages, pre-test and post-test, from all elderly individuals through face-to-face interviews. The elderly in the intervention group will undergo 10 sessions of Memory Therapy, twice a week for five weeks. The sessions will be planned to last an average of 45 minutes. During the 10 sessions of Memory-Based Recall Therapy applied to the intervention group, memory-enhancing phenomena will be used, and verbal reminders will be provided during repeated narratives.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Receiving outpatient treatment for dementia from the relevant departments of hospitals
• At the time of the interviews, the doctor must have diagnosed mild dementia. (Stages 0, 1, and 2)
• No problems with understanding or speaking Turkish
• Being literate
• Being in the 65 and older age group
• No other psychiatric or neurological disorders

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not having been diagnosed with dementia during the study
• Having other chronic cognitive and psychiatric illnesses
• Being in an advanced stage of dementia
• Those who withdrew from the study during the interview or refused to participate in the study