Should my father be treated for "parkinson-like" symptoms if he is otherwise in good health?

My 88-year-old father has what his doctor refers to as "Parkinson's-like symptoms" but refuses to prescribe medication that may help some of the symptoms (shuffling feet, stooped gait, vacant stare, weakness and palsy in one arm). He was temporarily prescribed Sinemet at one point by another MD while his GP was away and his symptoms seemed to improve. His GP says that the side effects of the meds are too great to chance taking the Sinemet. My father is in great health -- strong heart, blood pressure stable, and so on, otherwise. Should I push to have him prescribed this medication? I would be most grateful for your input.