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The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of aging on her vision and memory, stating she often struggles to recall upcoming appointments – but can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text.

"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told a magazine.

Her team confirmed that this kind of help are at times necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition now means 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 presenting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can at least hear the questions."

Dench, who turns 91 this week, is leading a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the festive period.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

Dench also mentioned staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text."

In recent months, Dench said she needs constant help in public to avoid falling over due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the primary reason of sight loss in the UK.

Adapting to Change

She has credited the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "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 difficult if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Since I have many companions who will teach me the script."

Dench's most recent screen credit was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

She continues to appear often at events, nevertheless, such as at charity events including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. Dench said she could not see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if they let me."