Abstract
Introduction: Although inconsistent in literature, several studies have demonstrated an association between statins and depression. However, virtually all of these studies have been conducted in populations younger than 80 years. We examined the relationship between statin use and depression in Octogenarians free from clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis from baseline data of 208 participants (78.8% female) in a longitudinal community-based study of healthy aging started in 2008. Participants were free of known CVD, and other chronic diseases. Depression was determined by meeting DSM-IV criteria or a current use of antidepressant following a clinical diagnosis. Information on current use and type of statin used was also collected. Results: The prevalence of depression and statin use was 19.8% and 39.1% respectively. The prevalence of depression was significantly higher among statin than nonstatin users (p=0.004). In multivariate analysis controlling for likely...