Early Differences in Cognition Associated With Familial Longevity and ApoE Genotype Using Digital Technology

Abstract Merging digital technologies with neuropsychological testing allows for collection of novel metrics that may reveal early, subtle differences in cognitive functioning. We examined whether digital pen metrics from the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) differentiate healthy agers (i.e., individuals with familial longevity) from spouses and individuals by APOE genotype. We used generalized estimating equations adjusted for sociodemographics, familial longevity, and APOE genotype. Among 1974 participants with correct clocks (mean age 71±10 years), familial longevity was associated with better cognitive processing (i.e., shorter latencies/thinking time before cognitively demanding components) whereas the e4 allele was associated with smaller clock diameter and longer latencies. The e2 allele was negatively associated with total time and latencies. Therefore, digital metrics captured differences in cognitive processing among individuals with correct clocks and thus may be more sensitive than traditional scores. Additionally, familial longevity may confer cognitive advantages that are distinct from the risk/protection afforded by APOE genotype.


AN INTRODUCTION TO THE ADHERENCE PROMOTION WITH PERSON-CENTERED TECHNOLOGY PROJECT
The massive potential of cognitive training and longitudinal cognitive assessment to detect and prevent age-related cognitive decline and dementia will not be realized unless individuals are willing and able to engage with these protocols for an extended period of time. Unfortunately, similar to other health behaviors, adherence to home-based assessment and training is frequently poor. Addressing the gap between potential and realized benefits is an urgent goal as the population ages. APPT investigates these and related issues within samples of older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Ultimately, two randomized controlled trials will test whether an adaptive, tailored, and integrated technologybased adherence support system can boost adherence, with the ultimate goal being the early detection and treatment of age-related cognitive decline and dementia. Initial algorithm development and application to existing datasets will be presented that will inform the design of a smart reminder system that will later be assessed. Merging digital technologies with neuropsychological testing allows for collection of novel metrics that may reveal early, subtle differences in cognitive functioning. We examined whether digital pen metrics from the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) differentiate healthy agers (i.e., individuals with familial longevity) from spouses and individuals by APOE genotype. We used generalized estimating equations adjusted for sociodemographics, familial longevity, and APOE genotype. Among 1974 participants with correct clocks (mean age 71±10 years), familial longevity was associated with better cognitive processing (i.e., shorter latencies/thinking time before cognitively demanding components) whereas the e4 allele was associated with smaller clock diameter and longer latencies. The e2 allele was negatively associated with total time and latencies. Therefore, digital metrics captured differences in cognitive processing among individuals with correct clocks and thus may be more sensitive than traditional scores. Additionally, familial longevity may confer cognitive advantages that are distinct from the risk/protection afforded by APOE genotype.

GERONTOLOGY AT THE INTERSECTION OF RELIGION AND FAMILIES: HONORING THE LEGACY OF VERN BENGTSON
The topic of religion and spirituality in later life has received intermittent but regular attention in the field of social and behavioral gerontology over the past few decades. To the extent that religion and spirituality have been linked to better health, improved well-being, and harmonious family functioning has renewed interest in this area of scholarly inquiry. Along with these positive outcomes, religion has also been examined as the basis for family conflict, as well in terms of its inverse in the transmission of secularity across generations. This symposium will communicate empirical results, theoretical insights, and conceptual developments inspired by the career contributions of Dr. Vern Bengtson, whose landmark studies have enriched the field of gerontology in the areas of intergenerational solidarity, spirituality in later life, the transmission of religion across generations, and lifecourse approaches to the study of family relationships. Five eminent scholars whose work touches on these areas will be represented in this symposium. The paper by Linda George compares intergenerational religious socialization and moral development. The paper by Robert Taylor and Linda Chatters examines the role of supportive church and family networks among older African-Americans. The paper by Ellen Idler addresses aging and religious in a context of secularization. The paper by Andy Achenbaum considers spiritual dimensions of friendship and meanings of aging. The paper by Merril Silverstein integrates intergenerational and temporal continuity in religious practice and identity. The discussant Monika Ardelt has contributed important scholarly work in the areas of religion, spirituality, and wisdom in later life. Religion, Spirituality and Aging Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.

THE SPIRITUAL DIMENSIONS OF FRIENDSHIP Andy Achenbaum, Texas Medical Center, Houston, Texas, United States
It was the spiritual dimensions of my friendship with Vern Bengtson that I treasure most. Vern was always willing to discuss the dark sides of himself and to listen to my spiritual pain. His empowering way of advancing the meanings of aging were a spiritual gift. This presentation will address the value of spiritual friendship in human aging. Part of a symposium sponsored by the Religion, Spirituality and Aging Interest Group.

RELIGION AND AGING IN A CONTEXT OF SECULARIZATION Ellen Idler, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Religion and aging has been a persistent topic of interest to gerontologists, notably Vern Bengtson over his long career.
It is increasingly obvious that this research has taken place against a decades-long backdrop of declining religious attendance, with each successive cohort showing lower levels of participation. Data come from the Health and Retirement Study, a representative sample of the noninstitutionalized US population (N=20,091), ages 24-107. We examined the patterns of religious involvement during the period 2004-2014 stratified by five age groups, 24-49, 50-64, 65-74, 75-89, 90+. Attending religious services has an age-graded pattern; each older cohort has a higher level of religiosity than the one following it, with the exception of those 90. Patterns for other measures of religious involvement are less dramatic but similar in direction. Lower levels of religious participation in younger cohorts imply a smaller proportion for whom these protective social ties are available. Part of a symposium sponsored by the Religion, Spirituality and Aging Interest Group.

TRACING THE RELIGIOUS LIFE COURSE: INTERGENERATIONAL SOURCES OF LATER LIFE RELIGIOSITY
Merril Silverstein, 1 Woosang Hwang, 1 and Joseph Blankholm, 2 1. Syracuse University, Syracuse,New York,United States,2. University of California,Santa Barbara,Santa Barbara,California,United States The development of religiosity in later life has its origins in earlier phases of the life course, yet few studies have investigated the contribution of early forms of religious exposure to religious beliefs and behaviors in old age. This investigation uses multigenerational data from the Longitudinal Study of Generations taken from 385 baby-boom children age 16-26 and their parents, linked to religious orientations of these children in midlife and old age. Relying on the "chains of risk" perspective, we found that parental religious intensity in 1971 strengthened their children's behavioral and cognitive religiosity in later life through their indirect effects on children's early and midlife religiosity. Our results demonstrate both intergenerational and life course forms of stability in religious belief and practice. Evidence suggests that parental influence creates religious momentum in their children that carries from adolescence/young adulthood through the unfolding of human lives into old age. Part of a symposium sponsored by the Religion, Spirituality and Aging Interest Group.

RELIGIOUS SOCIALIZATION AND MORAL DEVELOPMENT: HOW SIMILAR? HOW DIFFERENT? Linda George, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
Among Vern Bengtson's contributions to research on aging, religion, and the family was the finding of strong patterns of intergenerational religious socialization within families. Professor Bengtson and colleagues published at least one book and a dozen journal articles documenting the strong evidence of intergenerational religious socialization, although they also documented specific variations of this general pattern. More recently, social scientists in the culture and cognition tradition have focused on moral development. Most of this research is based on studies of adolescents and emerging adults and concludes that families influence morality at these life stages, but that the effects of peers are even stronger. Some of this research explicitly links morality