🔗 Share this article Judi Dench Shares Memory Challenges But Holds Onto The Bard's Verses. The iconic performer Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of growing older on her eyesight and recall, stating she frequently finds it hard to remember immediate plans – yet can effortlessly recite extensive passages of Shakespearean text. "I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to a magazine. Her team confirmed that this kind of help are sometimes necessary. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition now means 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 continued, "however I can still 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 being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the festive period. Regarding Friends and Acquittals Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text." Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid tripping due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK. Adapting to Change She has credited 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 deal with it." "It's challenging 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." Her last film appearance was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast. Remaining in the Public Eye Dench still appears often at events, however, such as at charity events including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. She noted she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would feel it "if permitted."