Creating and storing memories is a difficult process that involves many areas of the brain, particularly the cerebrum that holds memory and thought processes.. This includes the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes.  For instance, in order for a short-term memory to become a long-term memory, it must go through a process known as consolidation. During this process, a short-term memory is continuously activated, to the extent that certain chemical and physical changes occur in the brain, permanently embedding the memory for long-term access.

There are three main types of memory storage:

Short-Term Memory: Memories that last anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes.

Intermediate Long-Term Memory: Memories that may last anywhere from a few days to a few week, but will eventually be lost forever (unless they are moved to long-term memory).

Long-Term Memory: Memories that can be recalled for many years (perhaps for an entire lifetime).