🔗 Share this article Judi Dench Shares Memory Challenges Yet Holds Onto The Bard's Lines. The iconic performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of growing older on her eyesight and memory, revealing she often struggles to recall upcoming appointments – yet can effortlessly recite long sections of Shakespearean text. "I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told the Radio Times. Her assistants verified 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 'Crusher' of a Condition "It's devastating," she remarked, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can at least hear the questions." The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is leading a new documentary exploring her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the festive period. Regarding Friends and Acquittals Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text." In recent months, Dench said she now requires constant help in public for fear of falling over due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive disease that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK. Adapting to Change 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: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it." "It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Because I have so many friends who will teach me the script." Her last film appearance was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast. Remaining in the Public Eye Dench still appears frequently in public, however, including at fundraisers like one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. She noted she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."