The scientific term for short term memory loss is anterograde amnesia. In this form of amnesia, new events are not transferred to long term memory. Once a sufferer’s attention has shifted, he/she will not be able to recall events which have only just happened. Different types of memories can be affected separately by the condition. A person may be able, for example, to recall new physical skills they have acquired, but not the events of the day.

Short term memory loss may be caused by damage to the hippocampus, fornix or mamilliary bodies. Damage to the basal forebrain as well as to a set of structures in the brain known as diencephalons can also cause the condition. Some medications, such as benzodiazepines and imidazopyradines have also been known to have an anterograde amnesiac effect. Heavy consumption of alcohol can also cause the condition. The instigators of date rape cases often use chemical submission by way of such substances as flunitrazepam, GHB and temazepam to produce a state of anterograde amnesia in their victims.

A person with anterograde amnesia will still be able to remember things that happened before the onset of the condition.