Inflammation and late-life depressive symptoms.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Psychiatry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Low-level systemic inflammation is associated with late-life depressive symptoms.
• The potential preventive benefit of low-dose aspirin in individuals with higher inflammation and depression is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if higher baseline inflammation modifies the effect of low-dose aspirin on depressive symptoms in older adults.
• To analyze the association between C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and depressive symptoms in the context of aspirin use.

Main Methods:

• Post-hoc analysis of the ASPREE randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
• Measured baseline high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and depressive symptoms using the CES-D-10 scale.
• Used logistic generalized estimating equation models to assess treatment interaction with hsCRP.

Main Results:

• Higher baseline hsCRP was modestly associated with increased odds of elevated depressive symptoms.
• Low-dose aspirin treatment did not significantly modify the association between hsCRP and depressive symptoms.
• Findings remained consistent after adjusting for comorbidities and other covariates.

Conclusions:

• In community-dwelling older adults, elevated baseline hsCRP was associated with depressive symptoms.
• Low-dose aspirin did not demonstrate a reduced risk of depressive symptoms in individuals with higher baseline inflammation.