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The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of growing older on her eyesight and memory, stating she frequently finds it hard to remember immediate plans – 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 such reminders are sometimes required. 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," 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."

The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is leading a new documentary about her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the festive period.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

The star also discussed staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

In recent months, Dench disclosed she needs full-time assistance in public for fear of tripping due to her failing eyesight. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.

Coping with New Realities

Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it."

"It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have many companions who will help me learn the script."

Her last film appearance was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.

Remaining in the Public Eye

She continues to appear often at events, nevertheless, such as at charity events like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. Dench said she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."