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The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of aging on her vision and recall, stating she frequently finds it hard to remember immediate plans – yet can easily recall extensive passages of the Bard's work.

"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told a magazine.

Her assistants verified that this kind of help are sometimes required. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "blurred" even when up close.

A 'Crusher' of a Condition

"It's a crusher," Dench noted, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "but I can at least hear the questions."

Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

The star also discussed staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

In recent months, Dench said she now requires constant help in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed 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, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope."

"It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Since I have so many friends who will help me learn the script."

Her last screen credit was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

She continues to appear often at events, however, such as at fundraisers like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. She noted she could not see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if they let me."