The example of the companion of the Qur’an is like the owner of tied camels. If he keeps them tied, he will hold them; but if he releases them, they will run away

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) compared the one who studies the Qur’an and is accustomed to reciting it—whether by looking at the Mus'haf or from memory—to a person with camels tied from their knees with a rope. If he keeps them tied, he will keep hold of them, but if he unties them, they will run away and escape. Similarly, when the companion of the Qur’an recites it, he remembers it, and if he neglects it, he forgets it.

As long as the connection is regularly maintained, the memorization remains intact.