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The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of growing older on her vision and recall, stating she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – but can effortlessly recite extensive passages of Shakespearean text.

"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told a magazine.

Her team confirmed that this kind of help are at times required. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's a crusher," Dench noted, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "however I can at least hear the questions."

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

On Friends and Exoneration

Dench also mentioned staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

Earlier this year, Dench said she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid tripping due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.

Adapting to Change

She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement from film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it."

"It's difficult if I have a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Since I have many companions who will help me learn the script."

Dench's most recent screen credit was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

She continues to appear often at events, 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."