Dame Judi Dench has admitted she worries about ‘losing the plot’ as she gives another update on her health and memory.
The legendary actress has candidly opened up about her fears, admitting while she can still recall the works of William Shakespeare, she often forgets what she has planned for the next day.
In new documentary Judi Dench: Shakespeare, My Family And Me, the star – who will celebrate her 91st birthday on Tuesday – reflected on how she often hopes she won’t ‘lose the plot’.
Asked if it’s something she worries about a lot, she told the Radio Times: ‘Oh yes, and I do now.’
She feels lucky to be able to remember Shakespeare, but day-to-day plans are more of a struggle for Dame Judi.
‘But I can’t remember what I’m doing tomorrow, I swear to you – just ask them,’ she said, pointing to her assistants who admit it ‘it can be true, yes’.
Meanwhile, the Shakespeare In Love star also gave an update on her declining sight, which has been impacted for years by age-related macular degeneration.
The condition – which is the number one cause of sight problems in people over the age of 50 – can cause permanent and rapid central vision loss.
Sitting close to the interviewer, Dame Judi told her she was ‘in a fog’, while she is suffering with both of her eyes being ‘wet’, which she described as a ‘crusher’.
Losing her independence by not being able to drive has been difficult, as has missing out embroidery and simple activities as reading and watching TV.
Asked what she misses in particular, she said: ‘Well, I miss seeing Clive Myrie doing Mastermind, but I can hear the questions.’
The actress recently admitted she ‘can’t recognise anybody now’ as her sight continues to deteriorate, with her condition becoming so advanced she now struggles to recognise friends and loves ones.
In a recent interview with ITV alongside her friend Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Judi was asked why she’s now rarely seen on screen.
‘I can’t see anymore. I’ve got, you know, that thing,’ she said, before adding to the Lord of the Rings icon: ‘I can see your outline and I know you so well in your Macbeth scarf. But I can’t recognise anybody now … I can’t see the television, I can’t see to read.’
Sir Ian then joked: ‘But do you go up to total strangers and say: “Lovely to see you again?’” and Judi replied: ‘Sometimes.’
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