Background: Associations between vascular risk factors and late-life depression are controversial.
Aims: To investigate the association between measures of vascular disease/risk and depression and confounding and effect modification by APOE genotype and cognitive function.
Method: In a Korean community population aged 65+ (n=732), diagnosis of depression (Geriatric Mental State Schedule) and information on vascular status, disability, APOE genotype and cognitive function were obtained.
Results: Previous stroke and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (but neither hypertension nor diabetes) were significantly associated with depression (independently of disability and cognitive function). These associations were stronger in participants with borderline cognitive impairment, although not to a significant extent.
Conclusions: Except for previous stroke and an atherogenic lipid profile, associations between depression and other common risk factors for cerebrovascular disease were not evident.