🔗 Share this article Judi Dench Reveals Memory Struggles Yet Holds Onto The Bard's Verses. The iconic performer Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of growing older on her eyesight and recall, revealing she frequently finds it hard to remember immediate plans – yet can easily recall long sections of the Bard's work. "I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to the Radio Times. Her team confirmed that this kind of help are at times required. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close. A Condition That 'Crushes' "It's a crusher," Dench noted, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can at least hear the questions." The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays. On Friends and Exoneration The star also discussed remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text." In recent months, Dench disclosed she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative disease 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 explained, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it." "It's difficult if I have a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Since I have so many friends who will teach me the script." Dench's most recent film appearance was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast. A Continued Public Presence She continues to appear frequently in public, nevertheless, including at charity events including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live for charity. She noted she could not see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."