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Neurodegeneration
Neurodegeneration is the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons in the central or peripheral nervous system, ultimately leading to neuronal dysfunction and cell death. It underlies a group…
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Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology
Explore clear, research-informed definitions of key concepts connecting nutrition, mental health, behavior, and psychological well-being.
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About the ENP
A trusted guide to nutritional psychology terminology
Nutritional psychology examines how dietary patterns, nutrients, food-related behaviors, and psychological factors interact with mental health and well-being. Launched by the Center for Nutritional Psychology in 2024, the Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology defines the terms, mechanisms, processes, and research areas shaping this growing field.
Created for students, educators, researchers, healthcare professionals, and curious readers, the ENP includes hundreds of clear, research-informed entries. Content is written and regularly updated by contributors across relevant scientific disciplines, with new entries and major revisions reviewed by the CNP Encyclopedia Editorial Board before publication.
The encyclopedia helps readers understand terminology and foundational concepts. For deeper exploration of the studies behind those concepts, visit the Nutritional Psychology Research Library .
Encyclopedia entries
Select a term to read its definition and supporting context.
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neurodegenerative disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder characterized by nerve cell loss, which causes severe cognitive decline impacting memory, reasoning, emotions, and motor skills (Tsuiji & Yamanaka, 2014).
Neurodevelopment
We will use this term to refer to the brain's development of neurological pathways that influence cognitive performance or functioning.
Neuroendocrine
Neuroendocrine refers to the intricate interplay between the nervous system and the endocrine system in regulating physiological processes within the body. The term combines "neuro"," which relates to the nervous…
Neuroendocrine Cells
Neuroendocrine cells are specialized cells that share features of both nerve cells (neurons) and hormone-secreting endocrine cells. They receive signals in the form of neurotransmitters from neurons and, in response,…
Neuroendocrine System
The neuroendocrine system is a complex regulatory system that connects the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to the brain. It comprises neurons, neurochemicals, and several internal hormone-producing glands and tissues that…
Neurogenesis
Neurogenesis is the process by which new neurons are generated from neural stem cells. This occurs primarily in specific brain regions, such as the hippocampus, and plays a key role…
Neuroimmunology
Neuroimmunology is an interdisciplinary field that investigates the interactions between the nervous system (neurology) and the immune system (immunology), exploring the role of immune responses in neurological disorders and the…
Neuroinflammation
Neuroinflammation denotes the localized inflammation in the brain or nervous system triggered by diverse stimuli, including injury, infection, chronic diseases, and poor dietary habits characterized by excessive consumption of processed…
Neuromarketing
Neuromarketing is a marketing technique that employs sensory stimuli, such as music, visual imagery, and color, to elicit subconscious emotional responses that influence consumer behavior. This approach leverages neuroscience to…
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Academic oversight
Editorial Board
Meet the editors and subject specialists supporting the Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology.
Executive and Associate Editors
Co-Principal Editors
Ephi Morphew-Lu
The Center for Nutritional Psychology
Shereen Behairy
The Center for Nutritional Psychology
Associate Editors
Nabila Pervaiz
The Center for Nutritional Psychology
Technical Support
Tahir Yasin
The Center for Nutritional Psychology
Subject Editors
Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Child Psychology
Dr. Vishruti Patel, PsyD
Clinical Psychology
Psychology
Dr. Vladimir Hedrih, PhD
University of Niš, Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Psychology
Nutritional Immunology
Dr. Emilia Vassiloupoulou, PhD, BSc
Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece and Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
Nutrition and Dietetics
Eileen Santana RD, CDN
The Center for Nutritional Psychology
