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The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of growing older on her eyesight and memory, revealing she often struggles to remember upcoming appointments – yet can easily recall extensive passages of the Bard's work.

"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told the Radio Times.

Her assistants verified that this kind of help are sometimes required. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

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

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

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

Earlier this year, Dench said she now requires constant help in public to avoid tripping due to her failing eyesight. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.

Adapting to Change

Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, 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. Since I have so many friends who will help me learn the script."

Her last film appearance was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

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