🔗 Share this article The Esteemed Actress Reveals Memory Struggles Yet Holds Onto The Bard's Lines. The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of aging on her vision and memory, revealing she frequently finds it hard to recall immediate plans – 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 stated to the Radio Times. Her assistants confirmed that such reminders are at times required. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even up close. A Condition That 'Crushes' "It's a crusher," Dench noted, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "but I can still hear the questions." The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is leading a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays. On Friends and Exoneration The star also discussed 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 we are in contact, we text." In recent months, Dench disclosed she needs constant help in public to avoid falling over due to her failing eyesight. 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 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: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it." "It's challenging if I have a substantial role. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have so many friends who will teach me the script." Her last film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast. A Continued Public Presence Dench still appears frequently in public, 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."