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The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of aging on her eyesight and memory, stating she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – yet can easily recall long sections of Shakespearean text.

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

Her team verified that such reminders are at times required. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "blurred" even up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

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

The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the festive period.

On Friends and Exoneration

Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow 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."

Earlier this year, Dench said she needs constant help in public to avoid tripping due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive issue 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 explained, adding: "And I can't see to read. 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 so many friends who will teach me the script."

Her last screen credit 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.

Remaining in the Public Eye

Dench still appears often at events, however, such as at charity events including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. She noted she could not see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."