🔗 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 aging on her eyesight and memory, revealing she often struggles to remember upcoming appointments – but can effortlessly recite extensive passages of Shakespearean text. "I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told a magazine. Her team confirmed that this kind of help are sometimes required. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close. A 'Crusher' of a Condition "It's a crusher," she remarked, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can still hear the questions." Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the festive period. Regarding Friends and Acquittals The star also discussed remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted 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 needs constant help in public for fear of tripping due to her failing eyesight. 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. Adapting to Change Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," she explained, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope." "It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Since I have many companions who will help me learn the script." Her last screen credit was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast. A Continued Public Presence She continues to appear frequently in public, however, such as at charity events like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. Dench said she could not see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if permitted."