🔗 Share this article Judi Dench Reveals Memory Struggles But Holds Onto Shakespeare Lines. The iconic actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of aging on her eyesight and recall, 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 a magazine. Her team verified that such reminders are sometimes required. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "blurred" even when up close. A Condition That 'Crushes' "It's a crusher," Dench noted, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "however I can at least hear the questions." The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary about her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the festive period. Regarding Friends and Acquittals Dench also mentioned staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text." In recent months, Dench disclosed she needs constant help in public to avoid falling over due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK. Adapting to Change Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it." "It's challenging if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered 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; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast. Remaining in the Public Eye Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, including at fundraisers including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live to raise funds. Dench said she could not see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if they let me."