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.

***

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.

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STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION?

TIPS ON FINDING QUALITY TREATMENT (NAPSI)—It can be overwhelming and confusing to know where to start if you need to find treatment for an alcohol or drug addiction. Addiction touches nearly everyone in some way, yet there is no one-size-fits all approach to effective treatment. With many addiction treatment options, finding a program that will provide the quality care you or your loved one needs to address their specific addiction issues can be challenging. These steps will help you know what to look for to find a treatment program that is high quality and tailored to your needs.

How Do You Find A Treatment Provider?

If you have insurance, a good first step is to contact your insurer. Ask about your coverage and whether they have a network of preferred providers. If you don’t have insurance, you still have access to quality care. Each state has funding to provide treatment for people without insurance coverage. Find out where to call for information about payment for services at: https://bit.ly/2Am4htd.

What Should You Look For In A Program Or Provider?

Quality treatment programs offer a full range of services accepted as effective in treatment and recovery from addiction. Keep these points in mind when weighing your options.

1. Accreditation: Make sure the treatment program is licensed or certified by the state. This ensures the provider meets basic quality and safety requirements. You should also check that the program is accredited, which means it meets standards of care set by a national, compliance organization. Be sure to ask the program to show you how people using their services have rated them.

2. Evidence-Based Treatment: Check to determine if the program offers effective and proven substance use disorder treatments, such as medication management, cognitive behavioral therapy, drug and alcohol counseling, education about the risks of drug and alcohol use, and peer support. Quality treatment providers or programs offer more than one form of effective treatment. Effective programs will also be mindful of or address mental health and physical disorders that will affect substance use treatment.

3. Medication: Confirm whether the program offers FDA approved medication for recovery from alcohol and opioid use disorders. However, keep in mind that currently, there are no FDA approved medications to help prevent relapse from other problem substances.

4. Families: Family members have an important role in understanding the impact of addiction on families and providing support. Make sure the treatment program includes family members in the treatment process.

5. Continuing Care: For many people addiction requires ongoing medication and supports. Quality programs provide treatment for the long term, which may include ongoing counseling or recovery coaching and support, and helps in meeting other basic needs like sober housing, employment supports, and continued family involvement.

Once you’ve identified a treatment program that meets the criteria above, call for an appointment. Many programs provide walk-in services. If they can’t see you or a family member within 48 hours, find another provider. (It is important that the provider or program connect you to care quickly). You can find more information about finding addiction treatment by visiting: https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/ or calling the National Helpline at (800) 662-HELP (4357).

Gas Station Thanks

Thank you so very much for the young man and his daughter who paid for my gas on Thursday, February 3rd in Bloomfield. My sister and I started out to meet another sister for coffee when I realized my car was on empty. I stopped at the next gas station but was having difficulty getting my credit card to register when this gentleman put gas in my tank from his host. A very large amount of gas! Can you imagine such thoughtfulness! And I didn’t even get his name. Thank you again and bless your kindness.

Thank You Naples!

I was pleasantly surprised to find beautiful Valentines posted all along Main St. in Naples. Thank you to the organizations, businesses and individuals responsible. Made my day! Happy Valentine's Day!

Rural Road Rager

Last week I was sitting at the stop sign at the bottom of our rural and partial seasonal road, waiting for you, an oncoming car, to pass by before entering the County Rd. You decided to put on your blinker at the last minute, pull in front of me, stop, and roll down your window. You then proceeded to yell, claiming I am in your lane (not true) and ask "what am I doing?"! I said "I am turning" and sweetly said goodbye and drove off. This enraged you as you shouted expletives and laid on your horn. I thought you would come after me next, but didn't. Wow, what an angry and aggressive young man you are, triggered by something that was so nothing!

Mind My Own Business?

According to the CDC, obesity costs the Healthcare System $173 billion dollars each year. A cost we all pay in the form of higher insurance premiums. So your daily garbage plate is taking money out of my pocket. I'd say that makes it my business.

To The Anti Dog Woman

To the woman who lives on my street and hates dogs, STOP harassing me every time I simply walk by your house with my dogs. They’re NOT going to the bathroom in your yard. We are allowed to utilize the PUBLIC sidewalk. If you don’t stop I will call the police on you just like you do to everyone else on the street. Get a taste of your own medicine.

Thanks

I would like to thank all the folks who stopped and made sure I was alright on Friday morning when my Ford truck went off the road and into a ditch on Rt. 46 just before Rt. 21. I was pinned in the truck in the ditch. AAA got there three hours after it happened. I want to thank ALL who stopped to make sure I was ok. Kudos to the state trooper who also stopped.