🔗 Share this article Judi Dench Reveals Memory Struggles Yet Retains The Bard's Lines. The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of growing older on her eyesight and memory, revealing she frequently finds it hard to remember immediate plans – but can effortlessly recite extensive passages of Shakespearean text. "I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to a magazine. Her team verified that such reminders are sometimes required. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even up close. A 'Crusher' of a Condition "It's devastating," she remarked, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "however I can still hear the questions." The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the Christmas holidays. On Friends and Exoneration 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 I hear from Kevin, we text." Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she needs full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive disease that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK. Adapting to Change She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement 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 cope." "It's challenging if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have many companions who will teach me the script." Her last screen credit was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast. A Continued Public Presence Dench still appears often at events, nevertheless, such as at charity events like one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live for charity. She noted she could not see the final artwork, but would feel it "if they let me."