🔗 Share this article The Esteemed Actress Shares Recollection Challenges Yet Holds Onto The Bard's Lines. The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her vision and recall, stating she frequently finds it hard to remember upcoming appointments – yet can easily recall long sections of the Bard's work. "I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told the Radio Times. Her assistants confirmed that such reminders are at times necessary. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "blurred" even when up close. A Condition That 'Crushes' "It's a crusher," she remarked, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "however I can still hear the questions." Dench, who turns 91 this week, is leading a new documentary about her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the festive period. Regarding Friends and Acquittals Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text." Earlier this year, Dench said she needs constant help in public to avoid tripping due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a progressive issue that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK. Coping with New Realities She has credited the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope." "It's challenging if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Since I have so many friends who will teach me the script." Dench's most recent 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. A Continued Public Presence Dench still appears frequently in public, however, such as at fundraisers like one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live for charity. Dench said she could not see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if permitted."