Once he becomes a shambler will likely be easier. He's just got a huge advantage as far as speed goes until that stage, so we'll need that being removed. But your idea of draping a cape over his head would definitely work there since he'll lack the ability to remove it too fast and would then prevent infection.

And actually, unable to spell properly would be very annoying. He's actually got a huge collection of notes about things he's read in the journals, plus a private written entry with links to useful information. But that does give an idea to consider looking towards maybe something like a learning disability.