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The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of growing older on her vision and recall, revealing she often struggles to remember upcoming appointments – but can easily recall long sections of the Bard's work.

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

Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are at times necessary. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's a crusher," she remarked, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can still hear the questions."

Dench, who turns 91 this week, is leading a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the festive period.

On Friends and Exoneration

Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

In recent months, Dench disclosed 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 issue that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.

Coping with New Realities

Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "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 challenging if I have a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Because I have so many friends who will help me learn the script."

Dench's most recent film appearance was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year 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 including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live for charity. She noted she could not see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if they let me."