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The iconic actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of growing older on her vision and recall, stating she frequently finds it hard to recall immediate plans – but can effortlessly recite extensive passages of Shakespearean text.

"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told a magazine.

Her team verified that this kind of help are sometimes required. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "blurred" even up close.

A 'Crusher' of a Condition

"It's a crusher," Dench noted, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can at least hear the questions."

Dench, who turns 91 this week, is fronting 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 Christmas holidays.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

The star also discussed staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

In recent months, 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 degenerative issue 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't see on a film set any more," she said in 2023, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it."

"It's challenging if I have a substantial role. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have so many friends who will help me learn the script."

Dench's most recent film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film 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, including at charity events including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. Dench said she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."