🔗 Share this article The Esteemed Actress Reveals Recollection Struggles But Holds Onto Shakespeare Lines. The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of growing older on her eyesight and recall, revealing she often struggles to remember immediate plans – yet can easily recall extensive passages of the Bard's work. "I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told the Radio Times. Her team confirmed that this kind of help are at times necessary. She further mentioned 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." The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the Christmas holidays. Regarding Friends and Acquittals Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with fellow 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 disclosed she now requires full-time assistance in public for fear of falling over due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK. Adapting to Change She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement from film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope." "It's challenging 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 film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast. Remaining in the Public Eye She continues to appear often at events, however, such as at fundraisers like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live for charity. Dench said she could not see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."