🔗 Share this article The Esteemed Actress Reveals Memory Struggles Yet Retains The Bard's Verses. The iconic performer Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of aging on her vision and recall, stating she often struggles to remember upcoming appointments – but can easily recall long sections of the Bard's work. "I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told a magazine. Her team confirmed that this kind of help are sometimes necessary. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "blurred" 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 still hear the questions." Dench, who turns 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the Christmas holidays. 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 has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text." Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she now requires constant help in public for fear of falling over due to her failing eyesight. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a progressive disease that is the primary reason of sight loss in the UK. Coping with New Realities Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it." "It's challenging if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Because I have so many friends who will help me learn the script." Her last film appearance was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast. A Continued Public Presence She continues to appear often at events, however, including at fundraisers like one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live for charity. Dench said she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would feel it "if permitted."