🔗 Share this article Judi Dench Shares Recollection Challenges But Retains The Bard's Lines. The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her vision and recall, stating she often struggles to recall immediate plans – yet can effortlessly recite extensive passages of the Bard's work. "I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to a magazine. Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are sometimes required. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even up close. A 'Crusher' of a Condition "It's devastating," Dench noted, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can at least hear the questions." The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the Christmas holidays. Regarding Friends and Acquittals The star also discussed staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text." In recent months, Dench said she needs full-time assistance in public to avoid 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 vision loss in the UK. Adapting to Change Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "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 haven't yet found a way. Since I have many companions who will teach me 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. The same year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast. A Continued Public Presence Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, including at fundraisers like one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. Dench said she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would feel it "if they let me."