🔗 Share this article Judi Dench Shares Recollection Struggles But Holds Onto The Bard's Verses. The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of growing older on her vision and memory, stating she frequently finds it hard to recall immediate plans – but can easily recall long sections of Shakespearean text. "I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to a magazine. Her team verified that this kind of help are at times required. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "blurred" even up close. A Condition That 'Crushes' "It's devastating," Dench noted, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "however I can at least hear the questions." Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the festive period. On Friends and Exoneration Dench also mentioned staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text." Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she now requires full-time assistance 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 leading cause of sight loss in the UK. Coping with New Realities Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," she said in 2023, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it." "It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Since I have so many friends who will teach me the script." Her last film appearance was a small role 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. A Continued Public Presence She continues to appear frequently in public, nevertheless, such as at charity events including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live for charity. Dench said she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would touch it "if permitted."