🔗 Share this article The Esteemed Actress Shares Memory Struggles But Retains Shakespeare Lines. The iconic actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of growing older on her vision and recall, stating she often struggles to remember immediate plans – but can effortlessly recite long sections of Shakespearean text. "I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told a magazine. Her team confirmed that this kind of help are at times required. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close. A Condition That 'Crushes' "It's devastating," Dench noted, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can still hear the questions." Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays. On Friends and Exoneration Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text." In recent months, Dench said she needs full-time assistance in public for fear of falling over due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK. Adapting to Change 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 cope." "It's challenging if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have many companions who will teach me the script." Dench's most recent screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast. Remaining in the Public Eye She continues to appear often at events, however, including at charity events including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. She noted she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if they let me."