Of Mind and Music (2014) - full transcript

Let's welcome our distinguished speaker,

A true pioneer in the field of Alzheimer's disease & research.

Dr. Alvaro Cruz.

Thank you for the warm introduction.

Good evening.

The focus of my remarks today

Is a disease that much of our community

Is dubbed an epidemic.

Disease for which there is no proper diagnosis,

No preventable treatment

And no cure.



It affects countless human beings all over the world.

And like some of you, I've experienced it first hand.

With my own mother.

As you all know, it was in 1901 that Alois Alzheimer

Observed that Mr. Deter Frankfurt Asylum in Germany.

He was 51 years old and exhibited, among other things,

Loss of short-term memory.

Legend - Monta

- Alvaro? - Angela.

Angela, how is she?

Alvaro, I'm sorry.

Zoom in here.

That's interesting.

Zevvy, is me.



I'm not coming in.

I going to take some time away from the office.

Herbsaint.

Thank you.

Can I have another one?

# Why should I feel discouraged

# Why should the shadows come

# When Jesus is a portion

# My constant friend is he

# His eye is on the sparrow

# And I know he watches me

Sweetheart?

All-right, It was just a dream.

Just a dream.

# Every morning the memories stray

# Across the sea where flying fishes play

# And as the night is falling

# I find that I'm recalling

# That blissful all enthralling day

# I found my love in Avalon

# beside the bay

# I left my love in Avalon

# And sailed away

# I dream of him in Avalon

# From dusk till dawn

# So I think I'll travel on

# to Avalon

I think that is about it for the day, dear.

How are you?

Good and you?

Well, don't we look comfortable.

What have you been doing?

I got a sandwich from the grocery,

I went to the Frenchman Street, listened to some great music.

And then I took a little "siesta".

"Siesta"?

All right. I'm going to change and get dinner going.

"Siesta".

Hey, Queeny.

Hey sugar.

Hey my manager going to need some strings.

- Hi, Kenny. - Mr. Stomp.

- Yes sir. - How are we doing out there?

OK, Kenny.

I don't need nothing, I'm fine.

How fine are you?

I got four strings.

There no worries. I have the returns in the back, I cant sell anyway.

I'll take care of you. Just give me a second.

Big Butter and Egg Man.

I got it in the other day.

The family trade in the entire collection.

Queeny, come on Girl.

Here you go, Stomp.

- Thank you son. - Its all good.

You know that.

- You got your strings? - Yeah.

Thanks to Kenny.

- Bye, baby. - Ms. Queeny.

- Better be careful out there. - We're just headed to the diner.

I can show you some other ones if you are interested.

- Just this one. - nice choice.

My buddy. $ 16.95.

Thank you.

You will enjoy this.

# Make me a pallet on the floor

# Make me a pallet on the floor.

# Make me a pallet on the floor

# Make it soft

• make it low, so my good man wont know

# Make me a pallet on the floor

# Make me a pallet on the floor

# ... Make me ...

# ... a pallet on the floor

# Make it soft

• Make it low, so my good man wont know

# Make me a pallet on the floor

Thank you.

When you were getting started

It was like listening to Sam Houser, himself.

Yeah, lots of influences along the way, I suppose.

It was very good.

She just take this and give it to the first person she sees.

She don't know money.

And barely knows she sang a song.

I see to it that she don't starve to death not knowing that.

Cruz.

Stomp Play

She's goes by "Una Vida".

""Una Vida"".

I saw the most interesting performance today.

Where, somewhere on the Frenchman?

Nope, the old diner where I used to go with Mama.

An old man and a woman.

The woman ... was wonderful.

But something was off.

She loose her place in the song and then find it again, I don't know

I've never seen anything like it.

Jessie, I'm going down to the Gator.

You want something?

No. I'm good, Stomp.

Queeny, I'm going down to get some grub.

Be back in a minute, you want something?

If you need anything, Jessie's right over there.

Is $25.

5. Have a good day.

I have to take a walk, Queeny.

Queeny?

- You're going to be ok there baby?

You sure?

Damn it Jessie.

Queeny!

Hold on, girl.

Queeny, stop!

Queeny!

Stop! I'm coming.

Queeny, wait, wait, wait!

Queeny!

Stop the car!

Sorry mam.

- Are you alright? - Woman!

Oh, she's ... a wandering fool, always on the move.

Queeny, you have to stay put.

I just wanted some coffee.

Girl, aint you ever get enough coffee?

Always needing coffee.

If you...If you need me, just give me a call.

If you need anything, alright?

Good seeing you.

Let's go get some coffee. Come on.

Can I come in?

She ah, she is resting, Jessica.

Look, I'm sorry.

I know.

I know.

Tell her I stop by.

Thank you.

I know her radio broke.

So..I loaded her favorite songs.

Oh, Thank you...

She'll...She'll like it,...Jessica.

That man,

What he wants with "Una Vida"?

I don't know.

A fan, I guess.

Oh he's a doctor.

Maybe ahhh ...

Maybe he what?

Another day with your musicians.

Ahh, the woman...

She almost got hurt.

She seemed confused.

Lost. I do not know.

And you are going help her?

Yeah.

- You called my office? - what do you want with "Una Vida"?

Sorry? - It's a simple question.

I'm...I'm fascinated with her, by her.

Her singing.

Are you a doctor?

How did you get my number?

Stomp.

Neuroscientist.

I am a scientist, I do research.

Oh...so you want to study her.

Yesterday she was in a daze.

She step into traffic.

She could have been hurt.

I like to help.

Stay away from her.

Stay away? You called me.

# Sometimes I feel

# Like a motherless child

# A long way...from home

# A long...long way...from home

It's alright, Queeny. Go inside.

I'll be right in.

- Hey, Doc. - Stomplay, how is she?

She is good.

We're good.

Good.

Jessie got to you, ha?

- Jessie? - Jessica.

She...she snatch your card from me.

I shouldn't have shown it to her.

Who is she? What was that all about?

She is...the closest thing to family that "Una Vida" has got.

She has issues, but she just don't want to see anybody

...don't want to see anybody interfering with "Una Vida".

Do you mind if I have a word with her?

Oh, I''m sure it's cool.

It's time for break anyway.

Listen, is not Cuban.

But try it, you might like it.

Hey..that's a good cigar.

Thank you.

What are you humming?

Humming?

You hearing the wind, mister.

There is no wind.

Always wind.

It was the wind that took my butterfly away.

Your butterfly.

Hey, Queeny.

Thought you guys might want some coffee.

Thank you.

You like coffee?

Sure.

With sugar in?

Definitely.

You like this place?

I used to come here with my mother.

I bet you was good to your mama.

Thank you mister.

Do you know why Satchmo had that name?

No

When he was a kid, he used to...

Tap dance in the streets for money.

Right up there in Storyville.

He picked up the pennies and put them in his mouth

To keep the big kids from getting to them.

So they called him "Satchel Mouth".

How do you know that story?

What story are you talking about?

Queeny, time to roll.

Stomp play.

I can stay here with her a while.

And you can probably use a break.

yeah, that sounds like a good idea.

I have a few things to do, anyway .

She probably fancy a walk if you are up to it.

Yeah.

Hey, Miss Queeny?

Why don't you come and hang over with us?

I am teaching classes at Tulane.

If you want to know anything on the back of them albums, I'm the guy.

Like the song that is playing right now.

99% of people who come here they'll tell you...

That is early Benny Goodman!

Simple stuff.

Spot his arrangement a mile away, but truth be told ...

Fletcher done it.

She is right.

I had me some schooling too, now.

This is beautiful.

You like it?

It reminds me of my house.

Where is your house?

915 Royal Street.

We best be getting back to my manager.

Sure.

You were talking about your Daddy.

He was a blues man.

But on account of the war and things...

He kept things all bottled up.

He was a blues man.

One Morning

I saw Daddy

Wheel himself across the front porch.

You see that Marshall, there?

Sorry?

In that car.

The woman, the musician...

I believe she has dementia.

Or maybe even onset of Alzheimer's.

But she seems to be hanging through music,

Unlike Mama.

Like she ... I do not know.

Is different somehow.

What?

Tomorrow night, I have a pair of tickets for a benefit.

And if you're up for it, it's at The Little Gem Saloon.

Absolutely.

Good.

I have a conference at the Monteleone.

But you can pick me up at 6:30.

I'll be there.

All right good evening everybody, welcome to Little Gem Saloon with me, John Cleary.

Put your hands together for my buddy, Kermit Ruffins.

Look at this.

I loved that.

You look so beautiful.

... marks the address of the famous residence

At 915 Royal Street, the iconic hub for jazz

915 Royal.

What do you think about...

Sweetheart? - Unbelievable.

I thought we were having a little moment back there.

- Yes. Let's stay the night. - What?

Let's see if they have a room available.

... cannot just, we have the car ...

...and we got work.

Car is fine, we can get someone to cover for work.

And what is life if you do not do something crazy once in a while?

I do not even have a toothbrush.

It's beautiful.

Alvaro?

Sorry.

Just another dream.

WC

- Good Morning. - Good Morning.

You want to tell me about these dreams?

Since Mama ...

Every night, or when I shut my eyes I dream.

And each time I see myself I'm 6 or 7 years old

in the field behind my mother's house .

In each dream, there is a butterfly.

And I chase after it but never catch it.

It's all linked.... somehow.

What do you mean linked?

To my mother.

Do you like this book?

"Sam and the Firefly".

"The moon was up and Sam came out."

"Now it's time for fun, he said."

"Who, said Sam." who...

""Who,?"

"Who wants to play?"

"But no one said anything."

"Then Sam went about, the fox was asleep."

"And the Jay was asleep."

"The dog was asleep."

"And the hog was asleep."

"The sheep was asleep."

"And so was the cow."

Have we met?

Yes.., Queeny.

We are friends.

Queeny, I am going to go and get the mail.

You want your headphones?

Ok, great, I'll put the tube on.

# Oh, it's only a paper moon

# Sailing over a card board sea

# But it wouldn't be make-believe

# If you believe in me

# Yes, it's just a canvas sky

# Hanging over a cotton tree

# But it wouldn't be make-believe

# If you believe in me

# Without your love

# It's a party without grace

# Without your love

# It's a melody played

# With a coin in a video arcade

# It's a Barnum and Bailey world

# just as hollow as it can be

# But it wouldn't be make-believe

# If you believe in me

# The light paper moon

# Shines over a cardboard sea

# It will always be real, my love,

# as long as you care for me

Hey, Queeny, hey

It's okay, girl.

It's okay.

Oh, It's all right...It's all right

old babe, is out of tune.

We'll take it to Kenny. He'll fix it.

It's all right.

Louisiana Music Factory, this is Kenny.

Hi, Kenny. This is Dr. Cruz.

I met you with "Una Vida"...

Yeah, I remember...

Doctor, ? What's, up Doctor?

Listen, have you seen "Una Vida" or Stomplay?

Nooo

Man, I haven't seen them in a while.

What's up?

Well, I I haven't seen them either and

It's been a few days.

I am sure they are ok, is just that.

Well, What do you know about "Una Vida"?

What's her story? Who is she?

You know, I asked.

She don't like talking about it, so I stop asking.

Her memory and all.

I don't think she could tell me, even if she wanted to.

Thanks, Kenny.

Hey, hey, you know what

Her name is Maisie. I do know that.

Maisie.

Now, "Una Vida" said she lived in Royal, Block 900, if I recall.

Royal? No, she lives with Stomp On lechume.

Do you have the address by any chance?

Yes I got an address. Hold on.

They stay at 2315 Dufranc,.

Thank you, Kenny. Thanks a lot. ok, doc

It's that doctor.

Maybe there's something he can do, Jessie.

Stompleg.

- Hi, Doc. - How you doing?

So... so.

Come on, have a seat.

So, how is "Una Vida" doing?

Not, Not so good.

She's inside with Jessie.

I got something I want to tell you, doctor.

I got accepted.

Accepted, to what?

The Music Maker Foundation\ up in Durham, North Carolina.

They have family homes for street musicians like myself.

And I passed.

I passed.

The best thing I done in 10 years.

The thing is I have a family up there.

And at my age, doctor!

I told to them about the "Una Vida",

but no way they going to take her

you know, being like she is and all.

And she's ain't doing so good, doctor.

She just sits there, stares.

She doesn't even hum no more.

Do you think Jessica could take care of her?

Jessie is a junkie.

Does "Una Vida" knows you're leaving?

No.

I did not tell her or Jessica.

It's a damn shame a woman like Queeny

Had to share her life with likes of me.

What have you done for her has been great.

She did more for me than the other way around.

Can help her, Doctor?

I'll see what I can do.

Ill catch you.

Bless you, doctor.

You too.

Saint Annes?

Hi, Jane. Is Alvaro Cruz.

Would you have any beds available by any chance?

No, we're completely booked.

I understand.

Yeah, as one opens up, I'll give you a call.

I was with the musicians.

And Stompleg, the man, is leaving.

And the only person who can take care of "Una Vida"

Its Jessica, and she is junkie.

So, "Una Vida" doesn't have anyone.

Herbsaint.

Herb what?

Just give me a dark rum.

is Jessica working tonight?

Yes, she is on tonight.

Thank you.

Why are you here?

Because I want to talk.

Well, is going to cost you.

Fine.

$ 100.

You can pay for it.

Lets go.

We can do it right here.

Fine.

What do you intend to do with "Una Vida"?

And why should I tell you?

Because I want to help her and because I just paid you a lot of money

She needs someone to care for her.

Time is up.

Stompleg is leaving and she has no one.

- Hi, Doc. - Stompleg.

Queeny, you remember the doctor?

Are these yours?.... Yeah

In Angola you got to

find something to occupy your time, while doing your time

The hardest thing is the sameness of everything.

I can still remember

what I had for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

every single day.

Doctor, I done some things

I'm not so proud of

But some good things you might not believe.

I learned my music.

Because of that, I met her.

Would you mind if "Una Vida" and I went for a walk?

No.

I think she like that.

# There is a place

# Called Lonesome Valley

# You have to go there

# by yourself

# Aint nobody else

# Gone go there for you

# You got to go that valley by youeself

# My mother walked

# to Lonesome Valley

# She had to walk that lonesome valley for herself

# Aint nobody else

# Will walk it for her

# She got to walk that lonesome valley by herself

# We all have to walk that lonesome valley

# We have to walk that lonesome valley by ourselves

# Aint nobody else, will walk it for us

# We have to walk that lonesome valley by ourselves

Sweetheart, it's temporary. It is just a few days.

But why would you bring her here without talking to me first?

I know, I know, I'm sorry.

I dont feel right about... I'm sorry.

Alvaro, this is a big deal.

You can't just expect...

Angela, when my mother needed me, I wasn't there.

Shh... please.

It's the right thing.

I know it.

Please.

I know it.

How you find me?

They found my business card on you.

What happened?

I just got little stupid, that's all.

Where is she?

She is in my house for now.

But...

I'll should take you home and then we'll go see her.

We need to talk.

I'm going to get change.

- Want some water or something? - Sure

- Thank you. - I have to smoke a cigarette.

- Want to talk outside? - Sure

My mother died when I was born.

Queeny was my mother until I was 12.

And then she went away again.

For her music.

I guess she figured she... she gave me all she could.

And then she came back?

I was 18.

I walking home one night

and I hear her voice.

That voice.

We talked for hours.

Any anger I had, just went away.

She moved in with me and things were good.

My art was selling and ...

We were happy.

Then she began to forget things.

Little things at first.

We would supposed to meet some place and she wouldn't show up.

She forget her way home

and I had to go looking for her.

And when was it?

When did it start?

About 10 years ago.

Then one day she got angry.

She broke all my pieces.

I tried to stop her, but she knocked me down.

Broke every single one except the butterflies.

Why butterflies?

It's all she talks about.

Her music, her butterfly,

her Firefly,...she loves that damn book.

Can I show you something?

Sure.

This is one of Queeny drawings.

It's a club in New York called Village Gate.

She talks about it all the time.

How she played there.

It opened in 1958.

How come she remembers a club that opened in 1958,

But do not me?

My mother had Alzheimer's.

And that is what "Una Vida" has.

My mother wasn't aggressive. not everybody is

But at times she didn't know who I was.

That broke my heart.

This is very good.

Yeah.

She drew a lot.

She always put herself drawings.

When he started forgeting things, the drawings changed.

Things got all, things just changed up in her mind.

Oh yeah.

And everywhere she went, she always wrote my grandma.

Paris.

I think it's time to go see "Una Vida".

and maybe you could stay with us for a while.

She should like that.

Why are you doing this?

Because I can.

Sweetheart.

I thought that maybe we could have diner in.

Angela, this Jessica.

Where is she at?

She's taking a nap.

But she will be down for dinner.

I'm Angela.

Jessica.

I'm going to finish setting the table.

Just give me a minute.

Honey, can I...?

Really.

You came.

You came.

Sorry.

Sorry.

My baby.

My baby.

Queeny?

Are you my sister?

Yeah.

Yes

You want me to read some of your book?

Get Stompleg to ??????

You want me to read some?

No, no, I don't want to be no cross to bear for no one.

Hello, Dr. Cruz.

No, no, That is wonderful.

Thank you, Jane.

Much obliged.

That was my friend in Saint Anne, the assisted living facility.

There is a room available.

No, no.

She is not to do with it.

She's my responsibility.

I know I'm not ...

But if you do this...

They will never let me take her home.

She has Alzheimer's, Jessica. it won't away.

She needs proper care, needs professional care 24-7.

She can not be in a place like that.

She'll stop singing.

Why you say that?

You just don't understand, do you?

I dont understand?

Listen, young lady. Do not tell me...

You got to let me help.

She is not going to no facility.

I appreciate all you're doing.

She coming home with me tomorrow.

Come here, baby. Mama got something to tell you.

- Who is my butterfly? - me.

Let me see how good you're getting.

Look at Mommy.

- What is it? - The moon.

The moon. Who is that?

You, Mama.

- Who is that? - You, Mama.

You see what I'm doing?

I'm right by your side .

Look at Mama.

I want you to go with these people today.

I do not want to go!

They will take care of you better than I can right now. Go on take this, ok

- What will you do with it? - play.

You going to play it and you going to get good.

Mommy loves you so much, dont you ever forget that.

You hear me? don't you ever forget that.

Say, I'm be big and strong, Mama.

I want to be big and strong.

I'll be big and strong, Mama.

Go head.

Make them go away!....Make them go away!

Please do not let them take it.

- Do not let them take my baby. - get her some water.

Queeny? here.

Do not let them take my son.

It's all right.

It's everything ok?

I want to help.

Good.

What do you know about "Una Vida" having a son?

Can we can just get out of here? Then I'll tell everything I know.

Sure.

Let's stop for coffee at the diner

and then I'll take you home.

Thanks, Jake.

"They're coming to get my boy today."

His name is Sam.

He used to work over at Tulane.

Professor of musicology or something.

Figures, ahh?

She used to talk a lot about him, when I was a kid.

She said he was a good boy.

That I like playing with him.

But I was sort of glad he wasn't around.

I was jealous.

Where is him now?

I do not know.

I tracked him down a few years, when things started to get weird.

I use to call the school, but he would hang up.

Jessie, we got to find it.

Look, he wants nothing to do with her, alright.

He has to know that the mother still thinks about him.

The last memories she'll retains are the oldest.

I'm just saying.

He don't want to be found.

What's his last name?

Waters.

Oh really? PM Dawn?

Really? You know, You know where you are?

Come on, get out of here.

I'm take care with you in a minute.

Louisiana Music Factory. This is Kenny.

Hi, Kenny. It's Dr. Cruz.

What happenning, Doc?

Listen, I need to tracvk down a faculty member at Tulane.

Fine, What's the name?

Sam Waters.

He used to teach in the music department.

See if you can get an address.

I'm on it, doc. I'll hit you later?

Thanks, Kenny.

So, Kenny got the address from the man who runs the school where Sam was sent.

I do not know if it is still good, but it's across the river.

Shall we?

You are not going call him first?

How you do this over phone?

- Hello Love.
- Hi How is she.?

- She is fine.
- Good.

Listen, I'm leaving the diner with Jessica.

She told me about the boy, "Una Vida" boy .

She's got a son.

Really?

Yeah.

I'll call you later, ok.

Mr. Waters?

We would like to have a word.

What this about?

Mr. Waters?

My grandma knew your mother before you were born.

I'm Jessica.

I'm the girl you hang up on.

- Your mother ... - My mother?

My mother, whoever she was,

Gave me away when I was 5 years old.

She didn't give you away.

Your mother was ordered by the court

to turn you over to the state.

She had no choice.

Where is she?

She's in my house for now.

I'm Dr. Cruz.

Sir, your mother has Alzheimer's.

That's why you're here?

Mr. Waters?

Your mother doesn't remember me.

But she still dreams about you.

It's too late.

If you change your mind, you have my card.

Come on.

Does she still remembers the music?

That's the amazing thing, she does.

Brings her back.

And when it does, it is something to see.

She's upstairs in the room.

She had a really tough day.

That place...

I visit any time, right?

Of course.

I'll get my stuff.

So?

It's done.

She is checked in.

- And how is she? - Fine.

I'll be back tomorrow, okay?

Are you coming tomorrow?

Today, more than 5 million people

live with Alzheimer's disease in the United States alone.

Currently, Alzheimer's costing this nation

203 billion dollars a year.

And this number will rise to 1.2 trillion

by 2050, unless we find a cure.

While we do not have all the answers,

We can take pride and confidence in the progress we have made.

And we will not stop

Until we find a cure for this devastating disease.

Thank you and see you all next Tuesday.

I'm ready to see my mother.

Of course, Sam.

"Sam saw Gus do another fine trick."

"It made the Firefly laugh and laugh"

"It was funny to see them go in free to the movie show."

"Stop your tricks, call Sam."

"Not more word."

I like the movies.

Do you think they also let us in for free, too?

Yeah.

Queeny?

There is someone here to see you.

Can you play?

Neuroscience Institute, ... This is Jane.

Hi, Dr. Cruz.