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The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her vision and memory, revealing she often struggles to remember upcoming appointments – but can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text.

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

Her team verified that this kind of help are at times required. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "blurred" even when up close.

A 'Crusher' of a Condition

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

The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary exploring her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the festive period.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

The star also discussed remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

In recent months, Dench disclosed she now requires constant help in public for fear of tripping due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a progressive issue that is the primary reason of sight loss in the UK.

Coping with New Realities

Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope."

"It's challenging if I have a substantial role. I haven't yet found a way. Since I have so many friends who will teach me the script."

Dench's most recent film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film 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

Dench still appears often at events, nevertheless, including at fundraisers including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. She noted she could not see the final artwork, but would feel it "if permitted."