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The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of growing older on her eyesight and recall, stating she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – yet can easily recall extensive passages of the Bard's work.

"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to a magazine.

Her team verified that such reminders are sometimes required. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's a crusher," she remarked, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "however I can still hear the questions."

The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the Christmas holidays.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."

In recent months, Dench said she now requires constant help in public for fear of tripping due to her failing eyesight. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.

Coping with New Realities

Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope."

"It's difficult 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 small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

Remaining in the Public Eye

She continues to appear 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 to raise funds. She noted she could not see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."