Relation Between Depression in the Elderly and Lipid Metabolism Depends on Gender

Abnormalities in fat and cholesterol levels relate to depression differently in elderly males and females.

Previous research has established that abnormal blood lipid levels can increase the risk of depression in the elderly. To understand further this phenomenon, investigators at the University of Montpellier (France) studied a group of 1,040 women and 752 men aged 65 years and older at baseline and after 7-year follow-up. The participants were evaluated by psychological tests for signs of clinical depression (DEP). Lipid levels, apolipoprotein E, and serotonin transporter linked promoter region (5-serotonin transporter gene linked promoter region) genotypes were determined.

Results published in the May 26, 2010, online edition of the journal Biological Psychiatry revealed a distinct difference between DEP risk factors in men and women. In the elderly female group, those with the lowest levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) were at the greatest risk. In contrast, in the male group, those with the lowest levels of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) had the strongest link to DEP.

The results are a bit perplexing, as low HDL-c is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, while low LDL-c is considered to be beneficial.

First author Dr. Marie-Laure Ancelin, professor of medicine at the University of Montpellier, said, "Our results suggest that clinical management of abnormal lipid levels may reduce depression in the elderly, but different treatment will be required according to sex. LDL-c serum level seems to be an important biological marker in men, with a narrow range for normal functioning. Above this range, cardio- or cerebro-vascular risk increases and below it, there is increased risk of depression.”

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University of Montpellier