🔗 Share this article Judi Dench Shares Recollection Struggles But Retains Shakespeare Verses. The iconic performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of aging on her vision and recall, stating she often struggles to recall upcoming appointments – but can effortlessly recite long sections of Shakespearean text. "I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to the Radio Times. Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are sometimes required. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "blurred" 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 hosting Mastermind," she said, "but I can at least hear the questions." Dench, who turns 91 this week, is leading a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the festive period. On Friends and Exoneration Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text." Earlier this year, Dench said 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 disease that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK. Adapting to Change Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. 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 brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast. Remaining in the Public Eye Dench still appears frequently in public, however, such as at charity events like one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. She noted she could not see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if permitted."