In their study, researchers looked at elderly men with a genetic variation that produces an enzyme responsible for the metabolism of alcohol that is up to 80 times less competent at doing the task.
It was associated with reduced alcohol use, "but it had no association with depression whatsoever," Prof Almeida said.
"The conclusion is that alcohol use neither causes nor prevents depression in older men.
"Our results also debunk the view that mild to moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the risk of depression."

Humberto Moura Fonseca, age 23, drank 25 shots of vodka in less than a minute.  He and his friends, other students at the University of Julio de Mesquita, were involved in a drinking competition during the time of this tragic event. Soon after he finished the shots, he complained of feeling ill and collapsed to the floor. 

A medical crew was fast on the scene and rushed Fonseca and others to the hospital. Unfortunately,  he passed away during transport and doctors later confirmed the cause was alcohol posioning. 

The quote is from Russian poet Vladimir Maiakovski and was posted on Fonseca's facebook page. 

Police are investigating the situation and may charge those who organized the contest, thought to be other students at the university, with homicide.