Procedure
The PAROT intervention group met for six consecutive, 40- minute weekly sessions. The sessions consisted of making and eating rice balls (onigiri and ohagi), while reminiscing about events and episodes in the past associated with these activities. Three interveners (occupational therapists) were on hand to assist in making the rice balls and to prompt reminiscence. All six sessions were conducted in the same way. Three occupational therapists were also present in the control group sessions, but the control group patients only ate the rice balls. They did not engage in making the rice balls or reminiscing. While the study was in progress, both the intervention and control groups continued to receive usual care.