🔗 Share this article The Esteemed Actress Shares Memory Challenges Yet Holds Onto Shakespeare Lines. The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of growing older on her vision and recall, stating she often struggles to recall immediate plans – but can easily recall long sections of the Bard's work. "I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to the Radio Times. Her assistants confirmed that such reminders are at times necessary. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even up close. A Condition That 'Crushes' "It's devastating," she remarked, adding 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 longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the festive period. Regarding Friends and Acquittals Dench also mentioned staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text." In recent months, Dench said she needs constant help in public to avoid tripping due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive disease that is the leading cause 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't see on a film set any more," she explained, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it." "It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found 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 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast. Remaining in the Public Eye Dench still appears frequently in public, however, such as at charity events including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live to raise funds. Dench said she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."