🔗 Share this article Judi Dench Reveals Recollection Challenges But Retains The Bard's Verses. The iconic performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her eyesight and memory, stating she frequently finds it hard to remember immediate plans – yet can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text. "I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told the Radio Times. Her team confirmed that this kind of help are at times required. 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 devastating," she remarked, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "but I can still hear the questions." Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary about her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the festive period. On Friends and Exoneration The star also discussed staying in contact with 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." In recent months, Dench said she now requires full-time assistance in public for fear of tripping due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive disease that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK. Coping with New Realities She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement from film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope." "It's challenging if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have many companions who will help me learn the script." Her last film appearance was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year 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 often at events, however, such as at charity events including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. She noted she could not see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."