1. What Does the Doctor Say?  Ask your loved one's doctor about the loss of memory.  Is it dementia such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease or some other disease causing the loss of memory.  Find out from a physician who is familiar with all types of memory loss.  Then educate yourself on the levels, how to help and understand what they're going through.

2. Understand that It is a Disease.  Dementia causes all kinds of changes in a person's personality, the way they talk, walk, respond to queues, etc.  The changes in behavior are not the fault of the one with the disease.  Be patient and understanding.  

3. Take Care of Yourself.  Being a caregiver is a huge burden.  You must adjust your life to your loved one's care needs.  Make sure you take time for yourself such as going shopping, exercise, go to the spa, get a manicure/pedicure, go to the library; whatever you need to do to regroup and relax.

4. Your Family May or May Not Help.  Some people just can't cope with the changes in their loved ones behavior or support it.  Don't expect siblings and other family members to step up on their own.  You need to ask for help.  If they aren't willing to help you then you need to enlist the help of a licensed caregiving agency so you can take a respite.

5. Let it Out.  Caregiving takes lots of patience.  You give and give until you feel like you're going to explode. Find a trusted confidant that you can talk to about your frustration. It helps to vent to a friend, loved one or a therapist. Don't keep your feelings bottled up. If you don't feel like talking, you may consider journaling about what you're feeling. It's a good method of letting your feelings out if you don't feel like sharing with anyone.