noted that Perry's look had changed even if his short-term memory had not improved.

"For one thing, when the Texas governor showed up in New Orleans, he was wearing black horn rimmed glasses that are new to his appearance," Slater wrote. " For another, he was wearing dress shoes. Two years ago, when he launched his presidential bid with an announcement at a summer RedState gathering, he wore his trademark cowboy boots. But back surgery has made him cut back on the boots."

During a 2012 Republican presidential debate, the governor had failed to remember which three agencies of government he wanted to cut from the federal government.

“The third agency of government — I would do away with Education, the, um, Commerce and let’s see,” Perry said, glancing down at the podium. “I can’t. The third one, I can’t. Sorry. Oops.”