🔗 Share this article The Esteemed Actress Reveals Recollection Struggles Yet Holds Onto The Bard's Verses. The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of growing older on her vision and recall, stating she often struggles to remember upcoming appointments – yet can effortlessly recite extensive passages of Shakespearean text. "I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to the Radio Times. Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are at times necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "in a fog" even up close. A 'Crusher' of a Condition "It's a crusher," Dench noted, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "but I can at least hear the questions." Dench, who turns 91 this week, is leading a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the festive period. Regarding Friends and Acquittals Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text." Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she now requires full-time assistance in public for fear of tripping due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK. Coping with New Realities She has credited the condition with her effective stepping back from film work. "I can't see on a film set any more," she said in 2023, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope." "It's difficult if I have a substantial role. I haven't yet found a way. Since I have so many friends who will teach me the script." Dench's most recent screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast. A Continued Public Presence Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, such as at fundraisers including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. Dench said she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."