I had short term memory issues just prior to being diagnosed with
pernicious anemia. It was caused by a B12 deficiency - not from diet
but from the autoimmune system attacking the stomach cells called
parietal cells. These cells secrete Intrinsic Factor which binds to
B12 so it can be absorbed. Without IF, B12 doesn't get absorbed no
matter how much you eat or take vitamins - it was a LONG progression
of symptoms before diagnosis - many of the symptoms are common like
fatigue (we all have Addison's so I attributed it to that), muscle
weakness (I'm a female and not a body builder - just thought I was
weak). Then more severe is peripheral neuropathy, balance
abnormalities (i've always been a clutz though), not being able
to "feel" your feet (You don't have an awareness of your feet
sometimes due to nerve issues - I tripped ALL the time - again
thought I was just a clutz), and then more severe is what they call
megaloblastic madness, or feelings of rage for no reason, short term
memory loss, and tachycardia (fast heart beat).

James could EASILY find out if this is the case with a CBC blood
panel that looks to see if he is anemic and what size his RBC's are.

Julia