🔗 Share this article Judi Dench Reveals Memory Challenges Yet Holds Onto The Bard's Verses. The iconic actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of aging on her vision and recall, revealing she often struggles to remember immediate plans – but can easily recall long sections of the Bard's work. "I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to a magazine. Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are at times necessary. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close. A 'Crusher' of a Condition "It's devastating," Dench noted, 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." The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary exploring her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme 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 sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text." Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she needs full-time assistance in public for fear of falling over due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the primary reason of sight 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 said in 2023, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope." "It's challenging if I have a substantial role. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have so many friends who will teach me the script." Her last screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year 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, however, such as at fundraisers including a recent one last month with 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."