🔗 Share this article The Esteemed Actress Shares Memory Challenges Yet Holds Onto Shakespeare Lines. The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of growing older on her eyesight 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 promise you," she told the Radio Times. Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are sometimes required. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even 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 said, "but I can at least hear the questions." The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays. On Friends and Exoneration The star also discussed remaining in touch with fellow 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 disclosed she now requires constant help in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive issue that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK. Adapting to Change Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope." "It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Since I have many companions who will teach me the script." Her last film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That 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 fundraisers like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live for charity. She noted she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would touch it "if permitted."