🔗 Share this article The Esteemed Actress Reveals Memory Challenges But Holds Onto The Bard's Verses. The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of growing older on her vision and recall, revealing she frequently finds it hard to recall immediate plans – but can easily recall long sections of Shakespearean text. "I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to the Radio Times. Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are at times necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close. A Condition That 'Crushes' "It's a crusher," Dench noted, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "however I can at least hear the questions." The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary about her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the festive period. On Friends and Exoneration Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text." In recent months, Dench disclosed she needs 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 primary reason of sight 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 said in 2023, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope." "It's challenging if I have a substantial role. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have many companions who will teach me the script." Dench's most recent screen credit 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 often at events, nevertheless, such as at charity events like one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live to raise funds. She noted she could not see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if permitted."