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The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her vision and memory, revealing she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – yet can effortlessly recite long sections of the Bard's work.

"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to the Radio Times.

Her assistants verified that this kind of help are sometimes necessary. Dench added 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, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "but I can still hear the questions."

Dench, who turns 91 this week, is leading a new documentary about her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."

In recent months, Dench disclosed she needs constant help in public to avoid tripping 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

Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," she explained, and continued: "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. Because I have so many friends who will teach me the script."

Dench's most recent screen credit was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.

Remaining in the Public Eye

Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, such as at fundraisers like one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live for charity. She noted she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if they let me."