🔗 Share this article Judi Dench Shares Memory Challenges Yet Retains The Bard's Verses. The legendary performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of aging on her vision and memory, revealing she frequently finds it hard to remember upcoming appointments – yet can effortlessly recite long sections of the Bard's work. "I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told the Radio Times. Her team verified that such reminders are sometimes required. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "in a fog" even up close. A Condition That 'Crushes' "It's a crusher," Dench noted, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "however I can at least hear the questions." Dench, who turns 91 this week, is leading a new documentary exploring her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the festive period. Regarding Friends and Acquittals Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text." Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she needs full-time assistance in public for fear of tripping due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a progressive disease that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK. Adapting to Change She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," she said in 2023, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope." "It's challenging if I have a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Since I have so many friends who will teach me the script." Dench's most recent film appearance was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast. A Continued Public Presence Dench still appears often at events, nevertheless, including at charity events including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. Dench said she could not see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if permitted."