🔗 Share this article The Esteemed Actress Reveals Memory Challenges Yet Holds Onto Shakespeare Lines. The iconic actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of growing older on her vision and memory, stating she frequently finds it hard to remember upcoming appointments – yet can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text. "I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to a magazine. 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 up close. A 'Crusher' of a Condition "It's devastating," Dench noted, 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." Dench, who turns 91 this week, is leading a new documentary exploring her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays. Regarding Friends and Acquittals Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text." Earlier this year, Dench said 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 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 film work. "I can't see on a film set any more," she said in 2023, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it." "It's difficult if I have a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Because I have so many friends who will teach me 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. A Continued Public Presence She continues to appear frequently in public, nevertheless, including at charity events including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. She noted she could not see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if permitted."