Epigenetics is defined as changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression which can occur by a variety of epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation, histone modifications and microRNA expression. Lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, sleep habits, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and drug use, as well as environmental and emotional stressors can result in epigenetic modifications to the genome (Epigenomics 211. June; 3(3): 267-277). These modifications can affect the central nervous system and have been associated with a variety of human diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory and neurodegenerative diseases (). Epigenetic changes are heritable and can be passed not only to children, but also to grandchildren and beyond.