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The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of growing older on her eyesight and memory, revealing she often struggles to remember immediate plans – but can effortlessly recite long sections of the Bard's work.

"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to the Radio Times.

Her team verified that this kind of help are sometimes necessary. 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," Dench noted, adding that it means she can no longer 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 leading a new documentary about her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the festive period.

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 we are in contact, we text."

In recent months, Dench said she now requires constant help in public for fear of falling over due to her failing eyesight. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.

Adapting to Change

Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from film work. "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 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; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

She continues to appear frequently in public, however, such as at charity events including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. Dench said she could not see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if they let me."