Compositions, kits and methods are provided for treating or preventing neurological disorders associated with aberrant silencing of gene expression by reestablishing the gene expression through inhibition of DNA methylation and/or histone deacetylase. The compositions and methods include administering to a patient suffering from the neurological disorder a therapeutically effective amount of a DNA methylation inhibitor, such as decitabine, preferably in combination with an effective amount of a histone deacetylase inhibitor. The compositions, kits and methods can be used to treat or present neurological disorders such as Lou Gehrig's disease, fragile X syndrome, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.