The present invention generally relates to methods of detecting and profiling progression of the risk of neurodegenerative diseases in a subject. In one embodiment, the method includes isolating a stem cell from cerebrospinal fluid of the subject and determining the level of H3K27 methylation within the stem cell. The subject is determined to have an increased risk of developing the neurodegenerative disease if the level of H3K27 methylation is elevated. In various embodiments, the neurodegenerative disease is Alzheimers Disease, Parkinsons Disease or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
