Can this be Parkinson's of just old age?

[mamasgirl2]

In the past 3 months my sister and I have noticed a marked change in our Mother's health. She is almost 88 and has alwas been very energetic.  Lately she is not sleeping well,  not eating well at times. unsteady on her feet, slowed walking, (shuffling) depressed, very tired,  suffering from dizziness and this last week we noticed her jaw trembling  when she was eating.  My sister also noticed her right hand shaking.  Her doctor dismisses everything with "You're getting old!" and sees no reason for any tests. Mom lost our Dad about 2 years ago.  We can attribute some of her depression to that, but it seems worse as of late.   .  Our Dad went undiagnosed  with Parkinson's for quite some time and we do not want this to happen to our Mom.  Should we insist on more tests and if so, what kind of tests should we ask for.(Or should we ask for another doctor?) Our Mom's sister suffers from Parkinson's, is it hereditary??
Thank you for your help.
Mama's Girl 2

[ILADVOCATE]

The symptoms described very well could be potentially be Parkinson's but only a neurologist can make a diagnosis and she should see one. Depression can be a part of Parkinson's as well. Also if she is taking any medication of any kind, have them check the short term and long term side effects but if Parkinson's runs in the family its a strong possibility. What they generally give for Parkinson's is Carbo-Dopa/Levo-Dopa. Adjunct medications include Mirapex, Symmetrel, Bachlophen, Requip and Aricept. I have tardive dyskinesia which is clinically similar to Parkinsons's and Zofran which is used experimentally in Parkinson's has been of great help as well the natural remedy rhodiola (this comes from clinical studies but must only be administered by a neurologist) as well and also helps on depression from Parkinsons's.