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The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of aging on her vision and recall, revealing she often struggles to remember upcoming appointments – yet can effortlessly recite long sections of Shakespearean text.

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

Her team confirmed that such reminders are sometimes necessary. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "blurred" even up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's a crusher," she remarked, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "but I can at least hear the questions."

The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the festive period.

On Friends and Exoneration

The star also discussed remaining in touch 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 vision problems. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive disease that is the leading cause of sight 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: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it."

"It's challenging if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Because I have so many friends who will teach me the script."

Dench's most recent screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie 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 frequently in public, however, including at charity events including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live to raise funds. She noted she could not see the final artwork, but would touch it "if permitted."