🔗 Share this article Judi Dench Shares Memory Challenges Yet Retains Shakespeare Lines. The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of aging on her eyesight and memory, stating she frequently finds it hard to remember immediate plans – but can easily recall extensive passages of the Bard's work. "I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told the Radio Times. Her team verified that this kind of help are sometimes required. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close. A 'Crusher' of a Condition "It's a crusher," she remarked, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "but I can still hear the questions." Dench, who turns 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the Christmas holidays. Regarding Friends and Acquittals Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text." Earlier this year, Dench said she needs constant help in public for fear of tripping due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the primary reason of sight loss in the UK. Adapting to Change She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement from film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope." "It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Because I have many companions who will teach me the script." Her last screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; prior to that 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 often at events, nevertheless, such as at fundraisers like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live to raise funds. She noted she could not see the final artwork, but would touch it "if permitted."