A memory device formed of ferroelectric field effect transistors (FeFETs). The memory device can be used as a front end buffer, such as in a data storage device having a non-volatile memory (NVM). A controller can be configured to transfer user data between the NVM and an external client (host) via the buffer. The FeFETs can be arranged in a two-dimensional (2D) or a three-dimensional (3D) array. A monitor circuit can be used to monitor operation of the FeFETs. An optimization controller can be used to adjust at least one operational parameter associated with the FeFETs responsive to the monitored operation by the monitor circuit. The FeFETs may require a refresh operation after each read operation. A power down sequence can involve a read operation without a subsequent refresh operation to wipe the FeFETs, the read operation jettisoning the data read from the buffer memory.