text_1: FDA Panel Backs Novartis Drug For Treating Parkinson’s Dementia
text_2: The story reports that an FDA advisory panel recommended an existing drug (rivastigmine) be approved for a new use – the treatment of dementia in people with Parkinson’s disease. The story adequately tells readers that the drug is not new, but is being considered for a new purpose. It doesn’t seem to exaggerate the condition (although more info might have been useful). However, several other areas could be improved, including discussion of costs, side effects, benefits, a description of the evidence upon which claims are based, and other treatment options. It would be a concern if this story leaves readers thinking there may be a good treatment option for Parkinson’s dementia that’s about to become available, when this may not be the case. It isn’t clear that this treatment even works in Parkinson’s, and if it does work, that any benefits are meaningful either in the short-run or long-run.