BY JESS FRASER My mom was diagnosed with vascular dementia more than 12 years ago. At first, the presentation was subtle. Her executive functions started slipping, followed by the disappearance of recent memories. Lately, things have worsened. Now, most of life’s markers escape her as do words. But friends and family members help put a twinkle in her eye and she embraces almost everyone. She’s what you might call omni-friendly — like an unwary child.