🔗 Share this article Judi Dench Reveals Recollection Challenges But Retains The Bard's Verses. The legendary performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her eyesight and recall, stating she frequently finds it hard to remember upcoming appointments – yet can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text. "I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to the Radio Times. Her assistants confirmed that such reminders are sometimes necessary. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close. A Condition That 'Crushes' "It's a crusher," she remarked, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can at least hear the questions." Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme 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 assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text." Earlier this year, Dench said she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the primary reason of sight loss in the UK. Coping with New Realities She has credited 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 difficult if I have a substantial role. I haven't yet found a way. Since I have so many friends who will help me learn the script." Dench's most recent screen credit 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 Academy Award nod for Belfast. A Continued Public Presence Dench still appears often at events, nevertheless, such as at charity events including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live for charity. Dench said she could not see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."