The search for 87-year-old Alexander Henderson, who had severe dementia, has ended with the discovery of a body in bushland in Perth's northern suburbs.
Mr Henderson left his house in the northern coastal suburb of Hillarys last Thursday afternoon.
WA Police and dozens of SES volunteers have been involved in an extensive search for him covering a number of suburbs in the area.
Mr Henderson's body was discovered in bushland south of Mullaloo Drive by people involved in the official search, police said.
Superintendent Scott Warner said the discovery made for a very sad ending to the search.
"Mr Henderson's family are understandably extremely upset by this discovery, and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time," he said.
"This is another tragic example of the challenges that families face when dealing with a family member who suffers from dementia.
"And I'd encourage all families that do have family members that do suffer from dementia to seek advice from medical professionals."
The development comes three months after 65-year-old Perth grandfather Ian Collett, who also had dementia, was reported missing from his home in Canning Vale.
Mr Collett's body was found in June just metres from a major highway following weeks of searching involving hundreds of volunteers and police.
An investigation into the circumstances of Mr Henderson's death is underway. Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
