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The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of growing older on her vision and recall, stating she often struggles to remember upcoming appointments – but can effortlessly recite long sections of the Bard's work.

"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to the Radio Times.

Her assistants verified that this kind of help are sometimes required. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.

A 'Crusher' of a Condition

"It's devastating," Dench noted, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "however I can still hear the questions."

The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the festive period.

On Friends and Exoneration

The star also discussed staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges 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 first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive disease that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK.

Coping with New Realities

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: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it."

"It's challenging if I have a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Since I have so many friends who will teach me 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 earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.

Remaining in the Public Eye

Dench still appears often at events, however, including at charity events like one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live to raise funds. Dench said she could not see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."