🔗 Share this article The Esteemed Actress Shares Memory Struggles But Retains Shakespeare Lines. The iconic performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of growing older on her vision and memory, revealing she often struggles to remember upcoming appointments – but can easily recall long sections of the Bard's work. "I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to a magazine. Her team verified that this kind of help are sometimes required. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even up close. A 'Crusher' of a Condition "It's devastating," she remarked, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can at least hear the questions." The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary exploring her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the festive period. On Friends and Exoneration The star also discussed staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text." In recent months, Dench disclosed she needs full-time assistance in public to avoid tripping due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative disease 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: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it." "It's challenging if I have a substantial role. I haven't yet found a way. Since I have so many friends who will help me learn the script." Her last film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast. Remaining in the Public Eye She continues to appear often at events, however, such as at fundraisers like one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live to raise funds. She noted she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if permitted."