Can Aspirin Reduce the Risk of Depression?

High total plasma homocysteine levels (tHcy), associated with platelet activation and endothelial dysfunction, have been linked to increased risks for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and depression. Epidemiologists have speculated that if tHcy did directly contribute to depression, reducing levels might prevent as many as 15% of cases of late-life depression. Using records from 3687 cognitively unimpaired men (age range, 69–87) participating in the Australian Health In Men Study, investigators examined cross-sectional associations among depression, tHcy levels, and self-reported use of aspirin (the most common antiplatelet agent) and B vitamins (which reduce tHcy levels).

Overall, 513 men had current or past depression (14%; 165 men had curr…