🔗 Share this article Judi Dench Reveals Memory Challenges Yet Retains The Bard's Verses. The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her eyesight and memory, revealing she frequently finds it hard to remember upcoming appointments – but can effortlessly recite extensive passages of the Bard's work. "I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told a magazine. Her assistants verified that such reminders are at times necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even 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 hosting Mastermind," she said, "however I can still hear the questions." The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays. Regarding Friends and Acquittals The star also discussed staying in contact with 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." In recent months, Dench disclosed she needs full-time assistance in public for fear of tripping due to her vision problems. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive issue that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK. Coping with New Realities Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from film work. "I can't see on a film set any more," she explained, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. 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 help me learn the script." Her last film appearance was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast. Remaining in the Public Eye Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, including at fundraisers including a recent 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 finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."