Bruce Willis’s wife, Emma Heming, just revealed how severe her husband’s condition is as it pertains to his dementia … and it sounds worse than what people might’ve realized.

Emma went on ‘Today’ Monday morning to discuss Bruce’s diagnosis at length – and she was accompanied by a professional in the field who was there to provide more context on what exactly BW is battling with frontotemporal dementia … his specific condition.

This is a tough watch, because the situation clearly weighs on Emma and their 2 young daughters together … something she describes in detail in this heart-wrenching interview.

One standout from her remarks comes when Hoda Kotb asks her, point blank, if Bruce is aware of what’s going on with him … and the answer is telling. Emma says it’s “hard to know.”

Emma also explains Bruce has lost the ability to make decisions for himself, as opposed to outright memory loss – although, it sounds like that too might be affected.

In any case, it’s evident Emma is now overseeing his well-being. She says she doesn’t consider herself his caretaker now, but a “care partner.”

When it comes to their kids … Emma says she’s been honest with them on the science of what’s happening to their dad.

As we reported … Bruce’s family announced last year that he’d be stepping away from acting, as it had become apparent his health was deteriorating and he needed help.

Of course, he has a huge family that’s stepped up big time during this whole thing – including his ex, Demi Moore, and all of his adult children too. And, while Bruce has stepped out of the spotlight, he continues to surface in public … seemingly always in good spirits.