"Why can't I memorize anything?" This is the constant refrain of people who have had a near total loss of memory. The answer is simple, the human brain simply doesn't work that way. It's amazing that we actually have a central nervous system that does absolutely everything that needs to be done in order to survive and do just that - think, reason, and memorize.
So, why does our brain work in this totally different way? Well, it's a very simple and straight forward answer - the human brain evolved to remember and do everything that has to be done when ever we need to use our brain, even if at the time it looks like the information is not able to be retrieved or understood. In other words, the brain evolved to take action and do things based upon stored memories or information. And because of this, the only way to do things is to do them in the exact way that the brain was designed to do them... that is, by triggering the necessary biochemical reactions that are necessary to create and build memories.
This means, of course, that the moment you can't memorize what you are studying (even if you think you can), you've just re-wire your brain to think that way. It's extremely frustrating because it seems that once you can start to retrieve the information, your brain is like "amnesia", or the ability to forget. You can still access the information, but it's like trying to find a needle in a haystack. It really feels like you can never get it back, no matter how hard you try.
But there is a solution to this problem. There are programs on the market today that will enable you to learn how to memorize anything you want to. These programs use your brain's natural learning processes and "training" abilities to teach you new information. Just like with any other skill, you need to practice and train your mind to remember. After enough repetitions, you'll find yourself remembering almost everything.
Here's the deal: our brain works in a very unique way. Unlike other parts of the body, the brain is the only part of the body that can "think" in a way that others cannot. Think of it as a "superior" computer. It is able to store and recall vast amounts of data, regardless of how long it has been thought. In fact, your brain is better at recalling things than you are at thinking them.
In order to do this, however, your brain must be exposed to a steady stream of new information (and this is where the memorization software comes in). This way, it becomes a muscle. And after a while, you'll find that you can memorize just about anything, even if it's a long, complicated, and dense document, such as a map or a report. You'll be amazed at yourself.