🔗 Share this article Judi Dench Reveals Memory Struggles Yet Holds Onto Shakespeare Lines. The iconic performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of growing older on her vision and memory, revealing she often struggles to remember immediate plans – yet can easily recall long sections of the Bard's work. "I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to a magazine. Her team verified that this kind of help are at times required. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even up close. A 'Crusher' of a Condition "It's a crusher," she remarked, adding 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 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays. Regarding Friends and Acquittals Dench also mentioned staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text." In recent months, Dench said she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her failing eyesight. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a progressive disease that is the primary reason of sight loss in the UK. Adapting to Change She has credited the condition with her effective stepping back from film work. "I can't see on a film set any more," she explained, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it." "It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Since I have many companions who will teach me the script." Her last film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast. A Continued Public Presence She continues to appear often at events, nevertheless, including at fundraisers including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live for charity. Dench said she could not see the final artwork, but would feel it "if they let me."