🔗 Share this article Judi Dench Reveals Recollection Struggles Yet Holds Onto The Bard's Lines. The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of aging on her vision and memory, revealing she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – yet can effortlessly recite long sections of the Bard's work. "I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to the Radio Times. Her assistants verified that such reminders are at times required. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even when up close. A 'Crusher' of a Condition "It's a crusher," she remarked, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "however I can still hear the questions." The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary about her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast 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," 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 the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK. Adapting to Change Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement 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 deal with it." "It's difficult if I have a substantial role. I haven't yet found a way. Because 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 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast. A Continued Public Presence She continues to appear frequently in public, however, such as at fundraisers like one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, 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."