My husband was diagnosed 5 years ago. He has never been to Mayo but switched from a local neurologist to a Movement Disorder Specialist at a teaching hospital for a second opinion. Aside from confirming the diagnosis, there is a lot more available there for him. Perhaps this would be helpful and easier for you if there is a teaching hospital not so far from you. I’m so sorry your sister is going through this.

I got a diagnosis of PD last Jan. at Mayo Rochester. I can't take some drugs because I have a pacemaker and afib. They put me on carbidopa/levodopa (brand name Sinemet) starting at 1/2 pill three times a day and told me to increase the doses by 1/2 pill for as long as I could tolerate it. I got to 2 pills three times a day and had nausea and threw up, so backed down to 1 1/2 pills three times a day. I stopped falling and my tremors have reduced, although they returned a bit when I dropped my max dosage. The senior staff person at Rochester is of the stature that people almost genuflect whenever his name is mentioned. If you have the time and good insurance, I would say it's well worth the trip. But be patient: I went to be seen for Alzheimer's which I also have and it took about 7 months to get an appointment scheduled. There are too few neurologists in this country and the world comes to Mayo. Best of luck.