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The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her vision and recall, stating she often struggles to remember upcoming appointments – but can easily recall extensive passages of the Bard's work.

"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to the Radio Times.

Her team confirmed that this kind of help are sometimes required. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's a crusher," she remarked, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can still 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 another programme airing over the festive period.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

Dench also mentioned staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."

Earlier this year, Dench said she needs full-time assistance in public for fear of tripping due to her failing eyesight. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a progressive issue that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK.

Coping with New Realities

Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope."

"It's challenging if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Since I have many companions who will teach me the script."

Her last screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

Remaining in the Public Eye

Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, such as at charity events including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. She noted she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would feel it "if they let me."