Memory is made by new links in the nervous system. Brain is like a computer, whatever you read or see is Registered somewhere. But now to find or say recall it you should know where it is saved.
Your friend reads, listen to everything but can't remember is because he/she is not making associations and is not able to recall the things.
This can occur generally due to lack of concentration and thinking too many things at a time. Or it can also occur due to certain
vitamin and mineral deficiency.
Next Steps
1) Start Meditation.
2) Take proper sleep.
3) Avoid too many distractions - like seeing too much social media, YouTube etc.
4) Start listening to music.
5) Read - novels or anything interesting.
6) practice mobile free hours.
7) Take balanced diet and on time.
Health Tips
1) if you feel problem is causing trouble in day to day life, then patient should be evaluated by psychologist for memory functions and if required brain scans to be done if there are associated problems like headache, behavioural changes etc.