🔗 Share this article The Esteemed Actress Shares Recollection Challenges Yet Holds Onto Shakespeare Verses. The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her eyesight and recall, revealing she often struggles to remember upcoming appointments – but can easily recall long sections of the Bard's work. "I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to the Radio Times. Her assistants verified that this kind of help are at times required. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration now means 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 continued, "but I can still hear the questions." Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary about her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays. On Friends and Exoneration Dench also mentioned staying in contact with 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 said she needs full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative 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 no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope." "It's challenging if I have a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Since I have many companions who will help me learn the script." Dench's most recent film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast. Remaining in the Public Eye Dench still appears frequently in public, however, such as at fundraisers including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. Dench said she could not see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if permitted."