🔗 Share this article Judi Dench Reveals Memory Challenges Yet Retains Shakespeare Lines. The legendary performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of aging on her vision and recall, stating she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – yet can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text. "I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told a magazine. Her team verified that this kind of help are at times necessary. Dench added 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 devastating," she remarked, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can still hear the questions." The actress, celebrating 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 another programme set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays. On Friends and Exoneration The star also discussed remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text." Earlier this year, Dench disclosed 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 progressive issue that is the primary reason of sight loss in the UK. Adapting to Change Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope." "It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Because I have so many friends who will teach me the script." Her last film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast. Remaining in the Public Eye She continues to appear frequently in public, however, including at fundraisers including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live to raise funds. She noted she could not see the final artwork, but would touch it "if permitted."