Statins Do Not Increase Risk of Death by Suicide in Men Over 60

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have read that there is a correlation between the use of statins and suicide in men over 60, especially if they have suffered from chronic depression. Can you tell me if this has been studied more? -- K.M.

ANSWER: This concern has been studied extensively. An older class of cholesterol medication, the fibrates, was associated with a small increased risk of suicide and violent deaths, in several large studies. However, a very large study published in 2020 showed no increase in risk of death by suicide among those taking statin drugs. In fact, that study, as well as several others, have shown a decrease in depression risk among statin users. Statins have even been found to be (modestly) effective in treatment of drug-resistant depression.

Men over 60 are certainly at a higher risk from death by suicide, but statin drugs do not appear to increase that risk. Anyone with thoughts of hurting themselves should seek care from their doctor, a mental health professional, or the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988 in the U.S. and 833-456-4566 in most Canadian provinces.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 74. I have always been described as small-boned. I am on a statin, but otherwise, I’m healthy. I was recently diagnosed with osteopenia. I do not eat dairy, but I do take vitamin D. I am vegetarian and eat lots of tofu. I am very concerned about taking any additional medicines. Suggestions, please? -- F.M.D.

ANSWER: Osteopenia, or low bone density, is analogous to borderline diabetes or elevated blood pressure. It’s not a disease in itself, but it puts you in a range between the healthiest condition and one that can put you at risk. In the case of osteopenia, you are at a higher risk for developing osteoporosis, which, in turn, puts you at a high risk for a fracture, especially one of the spine or the hip. We do not normally treat low bone density with medicine. Lifestyle interventions to help slow loss of bone density include not only the calcium and vitamin D you are taking, but I especially recommend exercise. Weight-bearing, musclestrengthening and posture exercises are proven to help. Smokers should quit.

You should have gotten a T-score on your report, which compares your bone density for a given bone to a healthy young adult. The worse the T-score, the closer you are to osteoporosis, which is a T score below -2.5. Depending on how close you are to osteoporosis, the sooner your bone density test should be repeated. People with osteoporosis should be considered for medication. I understand your concern about taking more medicine than you need, but you really don’t want a hip fracture to occur.

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Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu. ©

Milton CAT is in search of New York State certified MBE/MWBE and SDVOB subcontractor enterprises that can provide selected goods and/or services to us.

Subcontractors must be able to meet insurance, financial and bonding requirements as contained and specified in general contract documents and other New York State entity requirements.

If interested, please contact us at goodfaitheffort@ miltoncat.com to begin the screening process.

FUTON SWING, DOG CARRIERS, DOG CRATES, COUCH BED, HARD STYROFOAM SAILBOAT and a HAMMOCK: 585-507-8788

AMPCO PLAYER PIANO and a LOWREY CITATION HOME THEATER ORGAN. You move: 585-323-1762 (leave message)

SINGER SEWING MACHINE, model 8280, with directions. Excellent condition. Fairport: 585-223-9014

WURLITZER PIANO - great condition; only one sticky key. Located on the second floor. Text: 585-755-9697

YOUNG CHANG PIANO. You pick up, Honeoye Falls: 585-944-5825

RESMED S8 ELITE II CPAP - Case, Heater/Humidifier, 2 Tanks, Cord, Manual, Hose, but CPAP part probably no good. West Henrietta: cmonroj1@rochester.rr.com

VHS BLANK TAPES. I have several and never been opened. Corfu area: sbly5722@gmail.com

MELODY GRAND PIANO W/BENCH. Low profile, maple wood finish. Like new. You move, Fairport: 585-388-2854

Brand new LOVESEAT still in carton. Gray. Pick up, Avon: 585-438-4098

250 GALLON OIL TANK. ½ full. Needs to be removed professionally. Webster: 585-872-6757

A bag of CRAFTS, YARN, NETTING: amy8595@mail.com

Marcy em1, em2, em3 FREESTANDING WEIGHT SYSTEM, disassembled. You transport. Some original instructions: 585-377-0260

Quantity of WIRE HANGERS for crafts, etc.: Nancydechau@gmail.com

Six balls STRING TYPE CROCHET COTTON, box of FABRIC PAINT, box of CORKS: 585-889-4320

AVANA COMFORT MATTRESS ELEVATOR (king size). Pick up, Webster: 585-872-6756

MEN’S CLOTHING - Coats size large. Pants size 30 / 32 and bigger shirts size medium / large. Sweaters size medium / large: 585-721-8963

PATTERNS for an 18” doll: 585-624-5144

PREVAIL OVERNIGHT UNDERWEAR, small, bladder control and a box of ALCOHOL PREP PADS. Pick up Batavia: 716-474-0292 leave message

OLD WOODEN HIGHCHAIR, blonde wood. Good condition. Pittsford/Mendon area: 585-414-0845

Loose advertisement pages from 1920s LADIES HOME JOURNAL magazines, 11”x14”. Many still with vibrant colors. Perfect for crafts/framing. Fairport: jvc45@aol.com

FINISHED DIAMOND PAINTING, Nightmare Before Christmas. You frame. Batavia: 845-309-9373 text only

Senior Navy Veteran needs any running VEHICLE that has passed inspection for himself and animal rescue: 585-531-4004

Rock music - 8 TRACK TAPES, CASSETTE TAPES, and VINYL RECORDS for my own personal collection. Thanks in advance: gzintel@yahoo.com

BOX TRAILER: 585-323-1762 (leave message)

COOPERSTOWN DREAMS PARK TRADING PINS and carrying case for granddaughter who will be in this summer’s tournament: 585-334-6134

AIR COMPRESSOR - 10+ gallons: mhoskins@pvac.org

INVERSION TABLE, for senior with bad back: stujaxon@yahoo.com

TRAILER WHEEL & TIRE, ST175-80D-13” wheel, 5 lugs: 585-993-1917

BUILT/UNBUILT MODELS OR KITS. Parts and pieces ok. Longtime collector seeks projects/restorations/customs. Auto, Truck, Plane, Military, etc. Call 585-314-6989, thanks

DIRT BIKES, ATVs, GO-KARTS wanted that are running or not running for fatherson project. Thank you in advance! 315-576-1278

Looking for a WEBER GRILL you are no longer using. Thank you and feel free to call or text me: 315-576-1278

Looking for GARAGE SIGNS, OIL CANS, or other decorative automotive memorabilia from the 1970s and earlier. Thank you! 315-576-1278

VINTAGE SPORTS CARDS, TOBACCO CARDS, or TAROT DECKS. Kindest Thanks!! 585-729-1259

Very LARGE FREEZER for a charitable organization in good working condition: 585-654-9640

LIONEL and other O-SCALE TRAINS, TRACK (O-27 scale) and accessories. Thank you! Call: 315-694-6197

Wii GAMES for 4-year-old girl: 585-303-4008

KETTLE BELLS and a MINI TRAMPOLINE: bhaag1@frontiernet.net

ALEXANDER VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT BAND UNIFORMS that aren’t being used: 585-721-8876

CURIO/CHINA CABINET or TALL BOOKSHELVES. Thank you: 585-447-0201

MONITOR needed for older Dell computer (80s-90s) for disabled person to work with: 585-346-7022

PORTABLE 5” MINI ELECTRIC CHAINSAW: 585-409-6477

Small STANDARD SHIFT TRUCK or CAR. Running and passes inspection: christinaplaton20@gmail.com

BUNK BED in good condition. Can only pick up in Batavia. Text me: 585- 536-6269 VINTAGE LEGO SETS or PIECES! Can be newer Legos! Greatest Appreciation and God Bless! 585-590-7995

BABY MONITOR for kitty cabin and a CAT TOWER in good condition (prefer a large one): 585-637-0933

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BATAVIA SELF STORAGE ONLINE AUCTION FOR COLLECTION OF UNPAID STORAGE FEES.

Storage units will be sold online only at www.bontragerauction.com. Bidding will begin Thurs., Feb.16 at 5 pm and will close on Wed., Feb. 22 at 11 am. Notice given to the following of units being sold: Brad Dixon – unit #64; Buddy Lenz –unit #68. NOTE: View bidding instructions and terms on our website. Buyer has 2 days to remove the items. Unit needs to be cleaned out by 4 pm, Feb. 24.